Evaluation of an Inclusive Design Framework for Apparel Designed for Baby Boomer Women

Abstract

<p>The purpose of the research was to evaluate an inclusive design framework that guided the apparel design process for a mini-collection of garments intended for baby boomer women. This is important because an aging U.S. baby boomer population has resulted in a larger percentage of individuals with disabilities and special apparel needs. Increasingly, apparel designers will need to develop solutions that can address a range of needs without calling attention to individual differences. The inclusive design framework has the potential to aid in apparel design processes that include segments of the population that are often overlooked. Additionally, the inclusive design process has not been fully evaluated for use in apparel design and there is a need to fully document and evaluate inclusive design frameworks.</p>