Preserving Safety, Dignity and Autonomy Through Multi-Modal Interactions: An Exploration into a Preferred Future of Design for Accessible Dressing Technology and E-Textiles

Abstract

Ready-to-wear clothing is often designed for individuals without disabilities, which can create dressing barriers and challenges for individuals with disabilities, especially those with motor coordination, cognitive challenges sensory and self-regulation issues. In two studies we explored the visions of occupational therapists for the future of dressing through smart clothing and dressing technology. Using co-design and design fiction online workshops, we were able to gather a rich data set that included interview data, virtual sticky notes, creative writing exercises and storyboards. We coded and used thematic and abductive analysis to explore the data and created design fictions to explore the future of dressing technology. Occupational therapists identified challenges that impact dressing tasks, and requirements for the design of technology situated in the near future that would support the autonomy of disabled people. They identified that instructional technology (such as clothing that provides sequencing cues and task instructions) could offer people with disabilities support for dressing challenges.According to the OTs, dressing technologies of the future should be multi-modal, preserve the dignity of the individual, be discreet, washable and durable, encourage autonomy, maintain safety and security, be customizable and be funded by governments or social groups.There are many people I wish to thank for their support and encouragement over the course of this thesis. Firstly, I wish to thank my thesis supervisors Dr. Audrey Girouard and Prof. Chantal Trudel, both of you have inspired and challenged me to grow and explore new avenues of knowledge in HCI and design. I am grateful for your neverending flexibility, wealth of knowledge and encouragement. You have both inspired me to expand my horizons and guided me through so much new learning in the midst of a global pandemic. Next, I wish to thank my thesis committee, specifically Dr. Elizabeth Stobert and Dr. Chiara Del Gaudio. Thank you for your feedback and contributions to this document.To all of my lab mates at the Creative Interactions Lab I wish to express my gratitude for all of your enthusiasm and collaboration. In particular, I wish to thank Dr.Karen Cochrane for encouragement to try skills outside my comfort zone, many hours of editing and reminders to consider my contributions to the field. To Dr. Lee Jones, thank you for introducing me to e-textiles and guiding my first foray into co-design research, your insights have been inspiring. To Jin Kang, I appreciate your thoughtful guidance and valuable feedback, To Leon Lu, thank you for all of your knowledge sharing and perceptive guidance. To Adrian Bolesnikov, I am so grateful for our weekly meetings and wonderful tips that helped to keep me on track over the last year.To my family, to my three children, Lucy, Oscar and Henry, thank you for your boundless energy and excitement, for your patience when I have been busy doing my work as well as your many appearances in Zoom meetings, workshops and virtua...