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Concept | Computational Corset

The Concept

A support garment made to custom sizing, providing strength, flexibility and rigidity in the right locations through geometric and material properties ?

A system to create this, from design to actual usage ?

5 Ws who, what, when, where, why

who

Me.
I have a congenital condition where my abdominal musculature is atrophied, and I need to wear a supportive belt for that. The condition is so rare that such a specific belt doesn't exist.
I usually pick up off-the-shelf belts and supports meant for back/lumbar supports or pregnancy supports. These are less than ideal.

In the future, this can be extended to others who suffer similarly, as well as others who need need custom support for their lumbar areas, bellies, or other abdominal or back supports.

what

A corset or belt.
Usually that can be worn under the clothing.
But ideally, is aesthetic enough to be worn as a garment in itself.

An interface that produces the design for this computationally.

A production process that takes the digital output and leads to the physical output, customizable to each individual body.

While the current target audience is a population of 1, namely me, there is still a range of personalisation possible. In the future, if extended to other stakeholders, these options will be of even greater value.

Levels of personalisation at multiple scales and in varied dimensions

  • basic sizing measurements
  • geometry and patterns that control or allow flexibility and mobility
  • patterns that contribute to the aesthetics and decor of the garment
  • colours and textures from choice of fabric itself, since the system allows itself to be superimposed onto any fabric of choice
  • comfort from choice of fibre and fabric
  • availability of local fabric

when

Now.
First cycle of iterations by March presentations.

where

Crafted at the Somaiya School of Design Labs, The Little Oven's kitchen and food lab, and my studio.

why

My observations have built up over years of use.

The current belts have a list of issues that lead to various forms of discomfort :

  • the edges rollover
  • the sizes are not accurate
  • the stretching is asymmetric so wearing them properly is a task
  • bending down is difficult when wearing one
  • ribs pop out and poke you

The current belts are also not wearable as an outer garment, which leads to

  • difficulty in adjusting the belt when wearing it under outer clothing
  • visible edges and bands
  • can't put on and take off casually, need a changing room

Circling the concept


Images : Amazon.in

Images : Pinterest

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My original doodles

Inspiration

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ChatGPT Generated Moodboards for Steampunk Waistcoats, Corsets, and detailing

Biomimicry

To help ease bending and flexing in a rigid material, I'll be taking inspiration from nature, and medieval knight armor.

Pangolin

Manis temminckii – walking Pangolin defending itself – Gir Forest, Gujarat Philippine pangolin – curled up

Armadillo

Nine-banded armadillo Southern three-banded armadillo – rolled up

Woodlouse (Roly-poly / Pillbug)

Woodlouse defensive posture poster

Image Credits : Wikimedia.org