Unveil
Unveil is a clothing solution designed for individuals battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy with a portacath inserted in their chest. The portacath, a necessary but invasive device, can make chemotherapy treatments incredibly uncomfortable. Understanding this challenging situation inspired the team to explore various options to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients.
Project details
Client
Red Dot Design Award
Project
Unveil
Year
2016
Services
UX Research Participatory Design Inclusive Design
Credits
Designers:
Mariana Pedroza
Javier Rebolledo
Alonso Benavidez
Problem Statement
Patients requiring frequent access to their venous system for medication, fluids, and nutrition often have a portacath implanted. Accessing the area around the device safely is crucial, and if their clothing doesn't allow for easy access, they may need to wear a gown. This can leave patients feeling unwell, sweaty, exposed, vulnerable, and uncomfortable.
Research
This project involved a thorough and detailed study. Initial secondary research was conducted to grasp the complexities of cancer and portacath insertion. However, ethnographic diaries, hospital visits, discussions with oncologists, and patient interviews gained the most valuable insights.
Our research provided valuable insights that informed the fashion collection. The shirts enable more convenient access to the portacath during chemotherapy. They offer superb comfort, beautiful aesthetics, and, most importantly, discrete functional openings that facilitate treatment humanely.
While our intervention was modest compared to the complexity of the problem, our proposal offered a fresh perspective to overcome this challenge.
All these patients emerged victorious in their battle against cancer, and our project was honoured with a Red Dot Design Award in September 2016 in the Concept Design, Fashion-Best of the Best category.
This was only a Glimpse.
I would love to share the full version with you. Connect with me on Linkedin, email me at kalebjcardenasz@gmail.com, or send me a message below.
