Fantasia: Co-designing apparel with an intellectually disabled individual

Abstract

This project explored the co-design of an inclusive garment for a woman with intellectual disabilities (ID) and multiple comorbidities, addressing a gap in adaptive apparel research. Over six weeks, two designers collaborated closely with the participant using user-centered design methods tailored to her cognitive and physical needs. Through weekly meetings, the team identified her clothing preferences, functional challenges, and aesthetic goals, ultimately selecting a dress as the final garment. The process required flexible communication strategies, simplified decision-making, and iterative fittings to accommodate modesty concerns, conceptual difficulties, and unexpected mobility limitations. Design modifications included relocating a zipper for easier dressing, adjusting sleeve and neckline features, and incorporating faux buttons to improve usability. Fabric selection was simplified through hands-on visualization techniques, helping the participant confidently choose materials. The final dress successfully met her functional and aesthetic requirements while enabling independent dressing. The project demonstrates the value of adaptability, collaboration, and inclusive design practices in empowering individuals with ID and improving apparel accessibility.