Protective Clothing Design - Grado Zero Espace Srl

DESIGN OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Giada DAMMACCO; Elena TURCO; Martinia Ira GLOGAR
In the research which designer performs, also reviewing, analyzing and comparing
between earlier and existing products, is essential. A review of previous products
provides an opportunity to identify and evaluate the process followed in reaching
previous design solutions. Based on the criteria formed using the research data
required from the user group and activity analysis, the level of protection required is
determined. The outcome of this stage enables successful product and system
characteristics to be identified.
Gathering of initial information should include: user profiles; product price, size and
color ranges; new and existing materials, thread and fastening components;
manufacturing processes; garment labeling regarding aftercare; fashion and design
content. Based on research at trade fairs and sampling, a comprehensive study of
contemporary fashion, color, texture, line and silhouette trends, and relevant
cultural contexts, informs the final selection of product characteristics, both
functional and aesthetic.
After a preliminary research a more practical actions should be done to meet the
project objectives. In this stage innovations can be introduced. Evaluation and
selection of proposed designs, and also the manufacturing of prototype, follows
afterward. Preparation for manufacturing the prototype includes a preparation of
modified size chart, shape profile and block pattern incorporating the age and size
range of the user group, the range of movement identified in the activity analysis
and the product type. After the evaluation and testing of prototype, which include a
testing against the set of criteria identified in the design brief, preferably by trials
with the user group. If prototype shows satisfactory performances for the specific
group of users and their specific hazards, the actual production process will
started.
3. A Scheme of Protective Clothing Design
Requirements
Protective clothing design method concentrates multidisciplinary skills for the
development of new products with high technological content. During the whole
process, design supports all the actions from the initial idea and concept definition,
considering new materials, continuing with the feasibility analysis, up to the final
product production and its optimized industrialization plan.
Innovation process starts from the definition of the project requirements, paying
attention not only to the properties that need to be obtained in the final product, but
also evaluating, through a detailed feasibility analysis, all the necessary materials,
equipments, machinery, manufacturing procedures, standards to be respected, etc.
related to the specific product's application field.
An in depth study of the state of the art is usually performed, involving both similar
products, already present on the market, and materials, technologies, machinery
and accessories required for the achievement of the final product. Through a
“Technology Transfer” approach, the study will analyze not only a specific sector,
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