6.04.2004 Project: Anthropometric ergonomic design for mature figures
In easier language, this means I am developing the application of all the
research I've been doing over the past 8 years with regards to designing
clothing for older (55+) women. The design of these patterns goes well
beyond designing a new fitting body style that encompasses the physical
changes inherent to people as they age.  Btw, Anthropometry means literally
the "measure of man". This is the name of the science of human
measurements.  This project will use :
Some of the data extrapolated from ATSM study designated 5586-95 (1995).
Specifically, whatever grade rules I've determined are valid (that's not a
qualifier; the study was rife with errors, for more info see:
http://www.designer-entrepreneurs.com/faq.htm, item #2, "Why clothes don't
fit" an article I wrote, published in Apparel Industry Magazine, 1997)
The anthropometric proofs I've been collecting for peer review of a new
pattern design standard that encompasses human physical proportionates
AND a method of appropriately designing "ease" (for lack of a better term)
that correctly provides extension throughout the range of motion. If you have
a copy of The Entrepreneur's guide, I'm talking about pattern making as
based on the section entitled Fundamentals of Fitting, pages 163-169. In
other words, this project will apply all of the off-beat human sizing and
human movement studying I've done over the past 8 years.

Other than the obvious (okay, maybe not so obvious; I'm excited to finally get
the chance to prove that the way we've been designing patterns over the
past...dare I say, 100 years...is fundamentally flawed and that well designed
clothing is cut entirely different, according to bone structure common to all
human-peoples and that pattern pieces cut in this fashion look downright
weird!), I'm excited to work on a project benefiting older people because I
think they are the population group that is most ignored by apparel
manufacturers. There is little to no quality apparel design beyond mu-mus
for older people which is why they run around in sweats all the time and I
think that bites. You know, the way I look at it is that everybody deserves
dignity and I don't feel they are getting half of the respect or dignity they
deserve.  

In more practical (profit minded terms, not that I'm benefiting directly as I
don't manufacture and only provide the information to manufacturers) terms,
I can't believe this demography continues to be ignored because this
population group is the societal segment with the most money to spend on
themselves (contrary to popular myth, old people aren't poor, only 10% are
poor as compared to the average family of four with a 25% poverty level) and
these people would be more than happy to buy nice, well-fitting clothes that
didn't insult their dignity and intelligence.

Lastly, this applied project is a job for a client so I won't be able to write
about everything here. The designer has agreed to allow me to discuss
whatever I wanted because she trusts me not to divulge proprietary
information (smart lady).  In fact, I'm hoping I can get some input (journal
type entries) from her as she goes through this process of learning how to
design apparel that is based on ergonomic, anthropometrically correct
patterns and fitting.

Return to main projects page...

You can help me select projects if you'd care to submit suggestions for my
site. And I'll appreciate it greatly. Go back to the contact me page to submit
your ideas.

This site was last revised July 26, 2004