Modularity and variety in the customization of functional clothes for people with disabilities

Abstract

The people with disabilities have sought for functional clothes that act as a piece of assistive technology, helping them to have autonomy when dressing. Some companies that sell functional clothes are inserted within the system of Mass Customization, and can be classified in six types: Totally custom, Co-design, Design options with standardized sizes, Design Customization, Personalization, and Fit Customization. Modularity and variety of choice that the costumers have regarding the design and fit of the pieces define these types. This research presents the analysis of twenty eight companies that sell functional clothing for people with disabilities, considering the Levels of Modularity and variety offered in the design and fit of the pieces. It also inserts each company analyzed in the Matrix of Modularity of Levels of Modularity/Variety in Design and Fit Mass Customization. Results reveal that modularity is more present than variety, whether for design or for fit of the clothes.