Wearing the invisible: Wearable manifestations of embodied experiences

Abstract

This PhD research is concerned with the human body. The body is constantly changing, diverse, complex - and to design for it requires to understand its needs, desires and experiences. In my research, I reflect on existing processes for creating for the body, and aim, through building on critical design, participatory design and feminist theory, to identify a corporeal-centered and diverse approach to designing for the body, such as when creating wearables. To reach that aim it is crucial to overcome an assumption-based assessment of the body of others, and instead deeply engage with the personal, bodily, idiosyncratic experiences of diverse people. Therefore, I am creating wearable artefacts that resemble lived experiences of others, and make them touchable, discussable and wearable. Based on the process of making those wearable artefacts, I will define design sensitivities for a body-diverse, body-centered and inclusive design process.