Inclusive design across cultures

Group 1:

• Zeynep Aydemir, Uludag University Faculty of Engineering (Türkiye)
• Bowi van den Broek, Avans University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands)
• Téo Davini, Université de Haute Alsace/Ensisa (France)
• Julia Dietsche, Hochschule Albstadt-Sigmaringen (Germany)
• Sukyeong Lee, INHA University (South Korea)

Group 2: 

• Nina Canévet, Université de Haute Alsace/Ensisa (France)
• Wiktoria Lis, Lodz University of Technology (Poland)
• Amelie Steinhilber, Reutlingen University (Germany)
• Wei-Ting Lee, Fu Jen Catholic University (Taiwan)

What is the course about?

Julia: “The course is about developing a textile product that focuses on inclusivity. We identify the needs of a specific group of people and create a product that addresses those needs effectively.”

Bowi: “Yes, you really dive into the customer needs. We’ve spent weeks analysing and discussing these needs, which is the most important part of the process. The actual product development feels secondary - almost like an extra - but it ties everything together.”

Nina: "For me, the course was also about understanding inclusion, which was a relatively new topic for me. It involved thinking about the daily challenges people face and finding ways to improve their lives. It’s not just about creating a product; it’s about shaping a better future through thoughtful design. This perspective was eye-opening, as we don’t approach inclusion with the same emphasis in France as one does in Sweden." 

What have you been working on in your groups? 

Bowi: “We’ve been developing a binder for transgender individuals. It’s designed to be safe and comfortable, addressing both medical and emotional needs. Our product is breathable, flexible, and adjustable to fit different body types. We even managed to create 15 different skin tones, compared to one existing company that only offers five.”

Wiktoria: “Our group worked on a product for people with deafness, a T-shirt where the user can feel the music through vibrations. We chose a quite complicated development of the product, which is mostly based on technology. But the design is still crucial as some mechanisms can look futuristic and feel offensive to the user, so we agreed on a more appropriate and subtle approach. Our goal was to make the product personalised, allowing users to express their style and personality.”

How does the course differ from your home university? 

Téo: “I study Textile Engineering at home, where the focus is on the scientific and technical aspects. This course was more about developing a product for a customer and understanding customer psychology, which is a good way to become more open-minded.”

Sukyeong: “In Korea, studies are more individual based, but here I’ve worked in group projects instead. It’s interesting because we share insights from each other’s countries and learn from one another.”

Bowi: “I study Entrepreneurship and Retail Management, so I am used to talk about customer needs, but combining marketing and fashion with group work across cultures was new for me. It was the most exciting part.”

Nina: “Back in France, courses are less interactive - mostly about learning and taking exams. Here, we applied our knowledge practically and shared opinions with classmates, which made it more engaging.”

The groups represent different nationalities with different backgrounds. How was that experience?

Zeynep: “I’d say we managed to create a respectful environment where we combined our different strengths very well.”

Julia: “Yes, I agree. I think one of the reasons behind that is because we are all exchange students. Nobody is an outsider in the group, we are all on the same page here in Sweden.”

Bowi: “Yes! Since it is only exchange students in this course, it becomes a safe space somehow. It is a great addition to remaining courses where we integrate with Swedish students. The combination of both is the best.” 

Nina: “We learned a lot about each other’s home countries and cultures, which also built good friendships. Our group really worked out well and we have been doing other things together besides just studying.”

What was the most fun part of the course?

Wiktoria: “Meeting other people has been fun, as well as the different workshops we’ve had in the course. They’ve been interactive and interesting.”

Nina: “Yes, I agree. I think the whole group project has been fun, especially because you apply everything you learn to the project. It becomes very hands-on.”

What was the most challenging part? 

Bowi: “Identifying the customer needs and how to address them in a sensitive way. We tried to join some communities on social media, but none replied. In the end, we managed to find some people willing to share their insights, but it was difficult to ask people about such a sensitive topic. We wanted to make sure they didn’t feel attacked.” 

Wiktoria: “Presenting in front of an audience during the final presentation since I’m more used to written assignments.”

Nina: “At first, we didn’t know if the prototype had to work, which was far too difficult for us. But luckily our teacher clarified that it didn’t have to be a fully functional product.”

Any advice for future students?

Julia: “Be prepared to work in groups and be open to working with people from different backgrounds. It might be easy to work with those you are already friends with, but in this case, you must adapt to each other.” 

Bowi: “Don’t be scared to apply if you don’t have a fashion background. The course is designed so that everyone can contribute.”

Curious about becoming an exchange student at the University of Borås?
Visit our website about incoming exchange students for more information.

Published: 2024-12-03

Text: Gustav Kibe
Photo: Private