Clothing Taskscape as an Approach Toward Assessment of User Needs

This study highlights use of the clothing taskscape (CT) to assess user needs, characterize design problems, and develop design criteria by considering relationships across people, their clothing, environments, activities, and tasks. Two case studies—a liquor store uniform and outdoor winter sporting clothing for seated clients—are used to illustrate how the CT may be operationalized. Data collection included observation and interviews to identify problems and determine design attributes needed in our respective clothing categories. Data were thematically analyzed. Findings in the uniform case study included problems related to uniform styling, fit, fabric, branding, and visual identity. Findings in the winter sporting clothing case study included procurement, garment styling, fit, branding, visual identity, storage of personal effects, storage of large-sized garments, and laundering practices. Use of the CT has the potential to guide designers toward more holistic assessment of the use scenario to assess user needs and develop design criteria.