Design and Product Development

A Design Process for a Female Auto-Racing Suit

Authors: Fei Wang (California State University, Northridge) , Hang Cui (California State University, Northridge) , Tracie Tung (California State University, Northridge) , Wei Cao (California State University, Northridge, CA, USA) , Xu Wang (Henan University of Engineering, P. R. China)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate female racing car drivers' clothing needs and to propose several practical solutions to fulfill their expectations. The objectives are: 1) to investigate the existing problems, such as mobility and comfort, while wearing unisex suits, 2) to identify female racers' clothing needs and develop a collection of female-specific racing suits with consideration of functional, expressive, and aesthetic attributes to make improvements in their performance, and 3) to evaluate the newly designed female racing suit prototype through a wear test and the feedback from professionals, ensuing female racers' expectations are met. A prototype was developed based on an online survey and interviews and evaluated.

Keywords: motorsport, product development, Female auto-racing, functional design, FEA Model

How to Cite: Wang, F. , Cui, H. , Tung, T. , Cao, W. & Wang, X. (2019) “A Design Process for a Female Auto-Racing Suit”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings. 76(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.8403