Transform the uniform: designing fashion for the hospital of the future

Abstract

ABSTRACT Medical clothing items are standardised and serve a functional purpose. In this study, design students worked collaboratively with healthcare workers to create a concept-driven collection of hospital wear. The aim was threefold: first, to identify challenges with hospital clothing; second, to engage students in a real-world design challenge; and third, to gather reactions to the collection at fashion shows. We concluded the main motivation in patient gowns design is the preservation of dignity, while staff uniforms lack means for personal identification. Only a quarter of surveyed healthcare workers would wear the resulting collection, owing to their perception of practicality, where half of the surveyed patients would, praising its modernity and good coverage of the body. Engaging students in a real-world design challenge proved to be a valuable teaching tool. The work highlights opportunities in the redesign of hospital clothing and student engagement in design and health.