A Skirt for Well Aged Ladies with Cognitive Loss

Abstract

In this paper, we consider design of skirts for well-aged ladies with cognitive loss. In line with recent trends, a graduate student project, which we supervised, focused on monitoring solutions for those suffering from dementia. The result of the project was a skirt. We found ourselves intrigued by the proposed solution and started unpacking, using a phenomenological approach, the meaning of the skirt, when losing cognition. Our conclusion is that skirts for dement ladies should never be viewed as unimportant, or as the new interfaces for assistive technology. Rather, they may be viewed as an opportunity for design to support body, mind and emotions of the person whose cognition is weakening. Aesthetically appealing garments, which improve self-image, designed for ease of dressing, engaging hands, may provide comfort. From the ethical standpoint, embedding skirts or other garments with technology, should be consented to prior to loosing the ability to reason well.