wardrobe STUDIES

A sensory ethnographic methodology

 

My encounter with Herman inspired the wardrobe interviews that I have conducted throughout my PhD. The purpose of the wardrobe interviews is to discuss the sensory experiences of neurodivergent individuals with their existing clothing.

At present, these interviews have been conducted with circa 30 people who are on the autism spectrum and/or have ADHD. They range from non-verbal children to young professionals to parents in their 50s. They are a variety of different nationalities but the wardrobes I am examining are situated in Norway physically, culturally, and climatically.

I am always open to new informants and hearing about alternate experiences. You can make contact with me here to arrange. Below I outline what you can expect!

 
 

The wardrobe interviews are conducted preferably in your home, although I have been open to other locations where people bring their own clothing so that we can both touch and interact with the garments. That being said, there is still so much knowledge that can be shared over a phone or video call.

The wardrobe interviews are a safe space where we work together to capture your personal sensory experiences. During our time together we explore how to articulate what you experience both physically and emotionally.

  1. The first step is to work together to explore and identify what is a good feeling vs what is a bad feeling both physically and emotionally, often they can’t be separated.

  2. The second step is to identify the sensations that are experienced that contributes to that feeling.

  3. The third step is to identify the material qualities that craft that sensation.

  4. The final outcome is a mood board of how you want to feel in your clothing that I will take forward into the design process. My expectation was that these would be adjectives like “soft” and “smooth”. However, they have been surprisingly beautiful verbs; actions and movements that people want to be able to do with a sense of freedom.

The approximate length of a wardrobe study is 2 hours. The documentation of the study can be adapted to suit your personal preferences for communication, socialising and privacy. I encourage you to be a credited co-creator in the communication of your story. You are equally welcome to remain anonymous.

The research data collection is approved by Sikt (the Norwegian Agency for Shared Services in Education and Research). In line with their ethics approval you have the right to withdraw your participation and data at any stage of the research.