Symbiosis : a holistic and ADHD-informed fashion design process : design process as outcome : symbiosis - a co-design process : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

ADHD is a neurobiological difference that affects cognitive and nervous-system processing, resulting in a range of strengths and challenges. While it is often seen as a childhood behavioural issue, ADHD persists into adulthood. However, wearable designs for ADHD are currently focused on sensory processing needs for children, neglecting the experiences of adults with ADHD and their complex needs. My exegesis aims to shift perspectives towards a human-centred fashion design approach that considers the holistic needs of individuals with ADHD. This design process will encourage a greater understanding of the complexities of the ADHD experience so that wearers can select, adapt, or create new clothing to support their experience of ADHD and gain a new relationship with clothes. It will also encourage designers to make informed, responsible, and inclusive decisions when designing for users with ADHD. To generate designs, mutual respect, and a greater understanding of participants' holistic and embodied experience of ADHD, I used reflective and co-design methods within an interdisciplinary Soma Design methodology. Additionally, I implemented an empathetic and pragmatic approach to conducting secondary contextual research and primary findings from surveys and questions with a panel of adults with ADHD to identify individual design requirements, whilst considering potential accessibility and usability factors for ADHD. This research enabled a thorough investigation of how to design for individuals’ ADHD experience, resulting in a symbiotic design process based on understanding, ethics and responsiveness to individual needs.