Design and Product Development

Drummers’ Functional Apparel: A Virtual User-Centered Product Development Approach

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Abstract

Drumming has gained interest as an alternative means for physical activity due to the high levels of physical demand required. Currently there is no apparel specifically designed for drummers to alleviate the muscular, heat, and perspiration effects experienced while drumming. The purpose of this study was to virtually develop and propose functional drumming apparel using a three-stage design process. A preliminary investigation defined key design problems of apparel worn by drummers and their user needs. Three drumming tops (DT) were virtually designed to satisfy these needs and drumming design criteria. Each DT was 3D virtually prototyped and evaluated for fit using active drumming poses. User feedback was collected to assess wearing intentions of the DTs and revealed that a majority of drummers would wear and perceived the DTs as visually appealing and appropriate for drumming. The functional drumming apparel proposed offers potential solutions to enhance drummers’ comfort while performing.

Keywords: drumming apparel, functional design, product development, virtual prototyping

How to Cite:

Villanueva, I. D. & Min, S., (2024) “Drummers’ Functional Apparel: A Virtual User-Centered Product Development Approach”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17697