ASSIGNMENT 01 - PROJECT AND DESIGN RESEARCH


ASSIGNMENT 1



 For our first assignment, we were assigned to conduct research on our chosen topic either Cerebral Palsy or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  
On our 2nd week of class, we had a talk from the representatives from caretakers of autism and cerebral palsy children. 




They had advised us on lifestyle of the children, preferable clothing and also their frequent habits that would be useful for our presentation.


Data collected from external research and also from the talk given by representatives of the autism organization. 

CategoryKey InsightsConsiderations
Lifestyle
Daily RoutineThrive on structured and predictable routines.Use visual schedules or timers to reduce anxiety about transitions.
Sensory SensitivitiesSensitive to bright lights, loud noises, and certain textures.Create sensory-friendly environments, minimize sensory triggers.
InterestsMay have intense focus on specific topics or activities (e.g., trains, animals, numbers).Encourage activities that align with their interests to build engagement and learning opportunities.
Social InteractionPrefer smaller social interactions or play alone.Use tailored social skill-building exercises.
Communication StyleRanges from verbal to non-verbal; many prefer visual communication aids.Incorporate AAC devices or picture communication systems when needed.

Clothing Preferences
Sensory ComfortPrefer soft, tagless, and seamless clothing to avoid irritation.Avoid materials like wool or tags that might cause discomfort.
Style PreferencesFavor simple and loose-fitting clothing; avoid tight or restrictive garments.Provide choices to encourage autonomy while considering sensory needs.
Functional ClothingPrefer easy-to-wear items with minimal buttons, zippers, or fasteners.Adaptive clothing with magnetic closures or pull-on styles can be helpful.
Color
Preferences		Neutral or soft colors are often preferred; bright or patterned fabrics may be overwhelming.Observe individual preferences as these can vary widely.

Habits
Repetitive BehaviorsMay engage in stimming (e.g., hand-flapping, rocking) to self-regulate.Provide safe outlets for stimming, such as fidget toys or weighted blankets.
Eating HabitsMay have restricted diets or strong preferences for specific textures, flavors, or colors.Gradual exposure to new foods can help expand dietary preferences.
Sleep PatternsOften experience sleep difficulties, such as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and consider sensory-friendly bedding or lighting.
Learning StylesBenefit from visual and hands-on learning; may struggle with abstract concepts.Use visual aids, tactile tools, and real-world examples in teaching.
Sensory ToolsBenefit from items like weighted vests, sensory swings, or chewable jewelry.Incorporate sensory tools that address individual needs.


We were assigned into groups to carry out research for our first assignment. I teamed up with Joey for our first assignment. We had to make a presentation slide on Adaptive Clothing Research for Autism Spectrum Disorder. 



The research compromised following information: 
1. What is ASD?
2. ASD: Key Characteristics
3. Clothing Needs in ASD
4. ASD Friendly Clothing Brands
5. Product Overviews
6. Functional Needs + Pain Points 
7. Market Gaps 
8. Potential Solutions 

PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS: 

What is ASD? 
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of deficient reciprocal social communication and the presence of restricted, repetitive and inflexible patterns of behavior.


Key Characteristics:
(a) Difficulty relating, communicating and processing information 
(b) Sensitive to light, sounds and textures
(c) Repetitive behavior
(d) Perfectionist tendencies
(e) tendency to fidget with unusual items
(f) Inattentive, inability to comply 

Clothing Needs: 
(a) Joint Compression - Helps an individual with ASD to feel comfort and supported.
(b) Clothing as Expression - As they find it difficult to express their emotions, fashion/clothing can be a form of communication for them.
(c) Stimming - Fidget element to ease themself during stressful situations.

ASD Friendly Clothing Brands: 
(a) Independence Day Clothing - Reversible tops.
(b) Kozie Clothes - Compression shirts.


(c) Sensory Smart Clothing - Seamless underwear and socks. 


(d) Sense-ational You - Weighted, sound reduction hoodie, seamless t-shirts



(e) NIKE Flyease - Slip on adaptive footwear


(f) Fun & Function - Weighted vest




Needs and Pain Points: 
(a) Seamless - ease comfort and reduces sensory triggers
(b) Weighted - lowers cortisol levels and boosts serotonin 
(c) Compression Elements - enhances security and comfort like a security blanket 
(d) Reversible - reduces wardrobe malfunction and stress for caretakers 

Market Gaps: 
(a) Pricing - adaptive clothings are on the higher end on the price range as there are very limited thats catered to a specific need for the individual.
(b) Caters to Limited Disabilities - even if there are certain adaptive clothings out there, some doesnt cater to certain disbility needs
(c) Unable to Navigate on Online Platforms - certain products online aren't specified to be adaptive clothing, hence making it difficult to trust the sellers without any visible proof of its functionality. 
(d) Fashion Restriction - they are treated like outcasts as there isn't a variety of styles that they can choose from for certain events like formal, traditional or even a simple day to day outfit. 

Potential Solutions:
(a) Source for Cheaper Fabrics - Research on cheaper fabrics to be used. Alternative method would try to use a blend of fabrics. Ex: cotton blend, jersey knit & polyester.
(b) In Style yet Functional Designs

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