Innovation through co-creation: a case study on the creation of new sustainable healthcare PPE clothing designs, integrating 3D digital technologies

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to address a gap in the current literature by examining the integration of 3D digital prototyping technology in the co-creation process of new sustainable and multi-functional healthcare PPE clothing design in collaboration with real users.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the user-centered design framework, 35 participants from major hospitals, along with fashion college students in New York City, actively engaged in the co-creation innovation process for this research. Data collection and analysis were conducted through interview-based qualitative analysis, using the content analysis method.

Findings

The results highlight the effectiveness of integrating 3D digital prototyping technologies in the co-creation innovation process in achieving all research objectives, including fulfilling users’ health care PPE clothing needs.

Originality/value

This case study presents an example of co-creation innovation in collaboration with actual industry users, exploring the effectiveness of 3D digital prototyping for the co-creation process. The findings of this study can be used to formulate future research studies.

Citation

Lee, J. (2024), "Innovation through co-creation: a case study on the creation of new sustainable healthcare PPE clothing designs, integrating 3D digital technologies", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-12-2023-0140