Niromi Seram, Rivini Mataraarachchi and Thanuri Jayaneththi
Exercising is a key approach adopted by muscular dystrophy patients to halt the weakening of muscles as it can eventually lead to serious immobility issues. Though it is essential…
Abstract
Purpose
Exercising is a key approach adopted by muscular dystrophy patients to halt the weakening of muscles as it can eventually lead to serious immobility issues. Though it is essential to exercise on a daily basis for healthy living, there is no mention of any research effort in the current literature regarding the development of an apparel product for these mobility-affected patients that might assist them both in meeting their exercising needs and providing them some comfort in their daily living. Thus, this paper aims to focus on identifying the specific needs of muscular dystrophy victims and proposing special adaptive clothing solutions to support their daily exercise and mobility needs.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the objectives of this study, attention was focused on the muscular dystrophy afflicted women in Sri Lanka. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the female victims of muscular dystrophy and their lifestyles were observed carefully; additional data were gathered by holding semi-structured interviews with their physiotherapists. Further, interviews were conducted with both garment technologists and fabric technologists too. Data gathered through these methods were analyzed qualitatively using the principles of thematic analysis and then aggregate conclusions were drawn.
Findings
It was observed that the patients were engaged in special activities such as exercising three times a day besides following their normal day-to-day activities to maintain and develop muscle strength. It soon became evident that these women found it difficult to perform their daily exercise routines with their regular clothing and were looking for custom made clothing they could wear all day long in comfort and avoid the problems that arose while exercising. The study specifies the requirements that must be met to satisfy both generic and specific needs. Considering all these aspects some adaptive clothing solutions were proposed to support daily exercising activity with respect to comfort, convenience, health and safety, as well as socio-cultural and psychological needs.
Originality/value
The area of fusing generic and specific features to support the daily exercising needs of muscular dystrophy victims is an untouched field of experimentation and being a need of the disabled, the present study marks a milestone on the way to a novel area of apparel design, besides exploring a new field of research.
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Rivini Mataraarachchi, Ranga Prasad Abeysooriya and Areeba Haroon
The purpose of the paper is to explore how refashioning can shift fashion consumer attitudes towards sustainable consumption of clothing by restoring consumption values. The study…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to explore how refashioning can shift fashion consumer attitudes towards sustainable consumption of clothing by restoring consumption values. The study categorizes consumers into distinct groups based on consumer perception of refashioning. Finally, the study recommends three value dimensions of the circular business model to promote consumer engagement with refashioning.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts an exploratory approach, applying qualitative design which involved 45 semi-structured interviews and 10 in-depth interviews with Gen Z female consumers who favour clothing lifetime extension.
Findings
The findings revealed that consumption values act as motivators and inhibitors, influencing consumers’ behaviours of using refashioning for clothing lifetime extension. Based on their distinguished levels of refashioning engagement and association with the satisfaction of consumption values, three potential consumer segments are discovered and defined as “DIY practitioners,” “DIY apprentices” and “DIY outsources”. To encourage consumer engagement with refashioning, the article suggests value proposition, value delivery and value capture dimensions of two circular business models and verifies how these cater to distinct segments to facilitate refashioning.
Originality/value
This paper provides new insights into clothing refashioning activities from the consumer perspective, bridging a gap in marketing literature. It investigates how refashioning restores consumption values and proposes three value dimensions of circular business models, enhancing clothing lifetime and engaging consumers. This unique approach incorporates consumption values and aligns with the UN’s 12th Sustainable Development Goal.