Designing for Displacement
In this project, we designed for a displaced population. Displacement can be caused by many factors, some being: war, lack of jobs, or natural disasters. This project was given to us shortly after the Maui wildfires had occurred. Choosing Lahaina as our area of focus was important to me because a few weeks prior to the wildfires, I had visited this beautiful town with my family. I can speak from my time visiting, how incredible, historical, important, and beautiful the town of Lahaina was. Every person we met while visiting were incredibly friendly and passionate. It was truly a privilege to visit.
Something to know about me: I have a huge heart for animals. After the wildfires occurred, I could not take my mind off of not only the people effected, but the animals too. I recognized that animals would also be an effected population in the wildfires. To many, pets are apart of the families they live with.
This project not only allowed me to work on something I felt was important, but also allowed me to do further research into this beautiful town. In the future, I hope to see this historical town rebuild as it was, with all the amazing people who lived there.
Bottom 18 sketches done by Mya
Page of sketches by Mya
The four sketches to the left done by Mya
During our design selection process, we gathered insight from people who have dogs, have had veterinary experience, or who study animal science.
Below is our final concept. This design includes adjustable straps, removable feet pieces, and a three component design. This allows for the user to adjust the garments to their dog's size and shape. Three components allow for a larger area of compression. Back and front leg pieces secure by attaching to neck component. Because components are individual from each other, user can remove parts that are no longer needed along the healing process.
The color green and blue were selected for our final design because they tend to be calming towards people and dogs. It was also important that the main color was lighter so that it would be noticed easier if the dog's wounds had opened and needed more attention.
If we could continue working and developing this project, we would expand into a wider variety of dog breeds, and animals. During this project we learned that this product could be helpful in more applications then only burn wounds. We would also want to expand our project into those applications as well so we would be able to help more pets, and those who care for them.
This project was done in collaboration with Mya Patterson. She can be contacted via email at myaep@iastate.edu
