Gear Innovation: Extending the Functionality of Outdoor Rock-Climbing Clothing through Ergonomic Design and the Integration of Smart Technologies
type: CreativeWork
description: This research investigates the development of ergonomic and functional outdoor clothing tailored for rock-climbers, emphasizing improvements in fit, comfort, and safety. This involves a multidisciplinary investigation exploring the integration of smart technologies into garment design, focusing on incorporating wearable electronics into rock-climbing attire. Rock-climbing presents both physiological and psychological challenges exacerbated by external environmental conditions. Given its inherent risks, mastery of climbing techniques, tactical manoeuvres, specialized equipment usage, and ergonomic clothing are crucial to safe route completion. Furthermore, appropriate rock-climbing apparel plays a critical role in preventing hypothermia, an independent risk factor contributing to mortality in trauma patients. The study identifies the requirements and preferences of experienced rock-climbers concerning clothing, through data obtained from a survey of seasoned climbers. Current market offerings were evaluated, identifying shortcomings in existing clothing options for climbers. This review suggested areas in which improvements in design could produce more practical garments which would be responsive to the environmental challenges faced by climbers, while employing sustainable manufacturing technologies. This endeavour also leverages the researcher's expertise in patternmaking, material selection, and garment construction. The research is underpinned by an epistemological foundation rooted in ergonomics, employing a methodological framework guided by a user-centred design approach throughout the project. Integrating principles from ergonomics underscores the interdisciplinary nature of the study, emphasizing user experience and user-centred design. This systematic user-centred design approach integrates qualitative and quantitative methods across project stages. An outcome of the research is the development of an ergonomic outdoor jacket tailored specifically for rock-c…
abstract: This research investigates the development of ergonomic and functional outdoor clothing tailored for rock-climbers, emphasizing improvements in fit, comfort, and safety. This involves a multidisciplinary investigation exploring the integration of smart technologies into garment design, focusing on incorporating wearable electronics into rock-climbing attire. Rock-climbing presents both physiological and psychological challenges exacerbated by external environmental conditions. Given its inherent risks, mastery of climbing techniques, tactical manoeuvres, specialized equipment usage, and ergonomic clothing are crucial to safe route completion. Furthermore, appropriate rock-climbing apparel plays a critical role in preventing hypothermia, an independent risk factor contributing to mortality in trauma patients. The study identifies the requirements and preferences of experienced rock-climbers concerning clothing, through data obtained from a survey of seasoned climbers. Current market offerings were evaluated, identifying shortcomings in existing clothing options for climbers. This review suggested areas in which improvements in design could produce more practical garments which would be responsive to the environmental challenges faced by climbers, while employing sustainable manufacturing technologies. This endeavour also leverages the researcher's expertise in patternmaking, material selection, and garment construction. The research is underpinned by an epistemological foundation rooted in ergonomics, employing a methodological framework guided by a user-centred design approach throughout the project. Integrating principles from ergonomics underscores the interdisciplinary nature of the study, emphasizing user experience and user-centred design. This systematic user-centred design approach integrates qualitative and quantitative methods across project stages. An outcome of the research is the development of an ergonomic outdoor jacket tailored specifically for rock-c…
author: Novikova, Aleksandra
date published: 2025
date modified: 2026-07-27T18:46:13Z
provider: AUT University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: AUT University