Embracing empowerment : empathy-centred design for Patella Alta : adaptive and functional garment design solutions : an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design, at Massey University, College of Creative Arts, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

Patella Alta is an uncommon congenital condition where the kneecap sits too high, displaced above the femur. This causes pain and discomfort for people living with the condition, the physical impacts of patella alta are underpinned by adverse emotional consequences. This is in part due to the limitations of current wearable knee brace treatment options. Current knee braces extend the impact of the condition to all aspects of a person’s daily life, including clothing choice and ease of dressing. In this practice-led research, empathic design approaches are used to create garments to support those who experience patella alta and need to use medical knee braces. Research has been completed using a mixed method approach with an empathy centred methodology including expert consultation, user feedback, iterative material exploration, garment sampling and prototyping. This design research has resulted in a series of material and garment samples and fashion design prototypes. The resulting prototypes including innovative 3D printing on fabric are able to be created for individual needs for the condition and fit variance. This research also facilitates new perspectives for fashion design generation and industry to contribute meaningfully to those with health challenges through empathic design.