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Department of Design and Merchandising
College of Health and Human Sciences

Design and Merchandising User 1st >>> Design Next

This exhibition, titled “User 1st >>> Design Next,” presents the endeavors of 24 senior Product Development students. These projects exemplify the importance of user-centric design and underscore inclusivity by catering to diverse abilities through cotton-rich design solutions. It culminated with a runway show at the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising, showcasing the students’ capstones and celebrating their efforts.

User 1st >>> Design Next- Fall 2023

This semester each student developed a small collection of inclusive or adaptive garments. The collections were developed from background research with participants who fit their target markets. Each student used CLO3D to develop virtual prototypes of the garments in their line, they virtually draped the garments on 3D body scans of their fit models or virtual avatars and produced at least one prototype garment from their inclusive and adaptive lines. Students used traditional sewing techniques as well as advanced prototyping technologies like laser cutting, UV printing, and 3D printing to bring their design concepts to reality.

A focus group with 5 students taking notes and listening to a participant in a wheelchair and a participant with sensory issues.

A collage image that shows 4 separate images of focus groups taking place with students listening to participants in wheelchairs.

Inclusive Capstone Collection

Students were challenged to create an inclusive capstone collection of five pieces that serve the needs of an underrepresented target market, such as people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

a participant with prosthetic limb holding arms out to be measured while a woman in a wheelchair gets her chest measurements taken

Envisioning the title of the exhibition

With the addition of a user-centered design component to the course, students worked with members of the disability community to shape the student’s designs. Putting the user first and human interaction was the foundation of the capstones this year, and we designed a logo to reflect the class’s inspiration.

User 1st >>> Design Next Logo

Exhibiting Student Work

From Dec. 5-15, 2023, the student’s projects were on exhibit at the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising.  

2 students hug one another in front of the camera in front of the program image

collage of images from the Wide open exhibit at the Avenir museum

Fall 2023 Featured Student Projects

Novel and innovative product ideas were awarded through financial awards. Sponsored in whole from Cotton Incorporated, each award was judged by a panel of industry professionals.

Henry Hanes "Wove"

Ensuring that there is a bag for all daily and care needs offered in a variety of on trend style choices. Wove will sustainably produce customizable, easy-to-reach, remove, and mount bags that utilize modular design to offer the capacity and protection for everything that wheelchair users and caregivers need throughout their day.

Henry Hanes with his award

Ethan LaBorde "Quick Release"

Clothing is a universal need for just about everyone in the world. However, the unfortunate truth is that some people have an easier time getting dressed and undressed then others. The goal of Quick Release is to address this discrepancy by providing a line of garments that assist motor skills, dexterity, and mobility.

Ethan LaBorde with his award

Leslie Rivera "Compos Mentis"

The adaptive apparel line embodies a distinctive fusion of style, functionality, and a profound dedication to inclusivity. It achieves this through gender-neutral designs that not only streamline the dressing process but also encourage individual expression. Of Latin descent meaning “of sound mind” a Continuation of scattered mind In a world often scattered and chaotic, we believe in crafting a sanctuary for neurodivergent individuals. Our garments offer not just clothing but a pathway to a state of “sound mind.” For those who find it challenging to seek solace and tranquility in a fast-paced world, our apparel line is a bridge to achieving “compos mentis.”

Leslie Rivera with her award

Opal Koning "Unbound"

UNBOUND is a versatile and functional collection of workwear that helps enable female wheelchair users to feel empowered and fashionable in everything that life brings their way. With a perfect balance between streetwear and utility, UNBOUND is a girl’s best friend. We took into careful consideration each product to make something that our consumer sees worthwhile when investing in their closets and themselves.

Opal Koning with her award

Ingrid Stocco "Ophelia"

The adaptive clothing market has been expanding throughout the years, however, traditional bridal attire often fails to meet the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities who wish to experience their wedding day with style and comfort. By embracing the principles of inclusive designs, I have created Ophelia, a bridal collection that is dedicated to revolutionizing the bridal fashion industry by creating adaptive wedding apparel that honors the dreams and brides’ wishes.

Ingrid Stucco with her award

a group photo of award winners and judges