Visibility Clothing For Children

Åsa Jansson

 
Within the framework of my thesis, I designed a decidedly non-professional high visibility garment. I contacted Reflectil Sverige AB and found out about their interest to renew their range of non-professional high visibility garments. The preliminary task was to improve their brand “Sportlite”, shifting it towards a more attractive and modern design. My intention was then to conceive a rather more tailored product with some personality without renouncing its main functions - to attract attention and provide safety. I wanted to explore how I could improve Reflectil Sverige AB´s range of non-professional high visibility garments whilst being conform to the European standard EN-1150 for safety clothing.

I choose to limit my target group to children, even though a product like this is something that of course benefits adults during whatever outdoor activity. I wanted to work with children as my key target group, because I think children are less aware of dangerous situations - they are always curious and like to explore, which sometimes make them unpredictable.

I assumed that this kind of accessory garment is supposed to be used any time, anywhere. This means it shall be wearable all seasons. Since the choice of clothing differs from one season to another it affected the design. I came to the conclusion that the design of my visibility garment must be convenient and easy to dress on and off. It must also be adjustable when it comes to what one is wearing underneath. I solved this by designing a vest-style garment as an open piece that easily can be pulled over the head without having to pull the arms through armpits. The vest is fastened with Velcro® on each side of the waist.

Besides designing the vest, I also suggested a logotype, because I wanted to give it its own “identity”. The inspiration came from a cats’ eye, because cats have excellent night vision and light reflecting eyes. Cats also inspired the reflective zone around the waist; of course that decoration can be designed in many styles as long as it fulfils the European standard in terms of reflective properties and area.

  

MA degree project 2006

 

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