Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles (한국의류학회지)

The Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles (한국의류학회)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Design for Enhancing the Visibility of Street Cleaners' Light-emitting Uniforms toward Safety and Long-term Usability

안전과 장기적 사용을 고려한 환경미화원 발광형 유니폼의 시인성 향상 디자인

  • Yujin Oh (Dept. of Clothing & Textiles, Hanyang University) ;
  • Mee Jekal (Dept. of Clothing & Textiles, Hanyang University)
  • Received : 2024.06.21
  • Accepted : 2024.07.26
  • Published : 2024.08.31
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

This study aims to develop a smart uniform with embedded luminescence for street cleaners to enhance visibility, safety, and long-term usability, informed by real users' opinions. It employed mixed-methods research comprising three phases: first, a pre-interview to identify existing problems; second, experiments to evaluate the visibility and durability of the technology embedded in smart uniforms during machine washing; and third, a post-survey and observation to assess user satisfaction regarding safety, long-term usability, and aesthetic aspects. Prototypes were developed to evaluate long-term usability and safety based on users' opinions. The findings indicated users desired long-term usage without the need for additional wear and highlighted concerns about the glare from light-emitting devices. The developed prototypes demonstrated long-term usability, remaining functional after more than 25 machine washes without reducing brightness or structural integrity. Regarding participant satisfaction, 83.5% of users were satisfied with the design, both aesthetically and functionally. This study offers a viable approach to developing user-centered designs incorporating light-emitting devices, which enhance visibility and provide aesthetic satisfaction while ensuring long-term usability. The results hold significant implications for future design research focused on vulnerable populations, emphasizing integrated satisfaction in terms of safety and long-term usability.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 연구는 정부(과학기술정보통신부)의 재원으로 한국연구재단의 지원으로 이루어졌음(No. NRF-2017H1D8A2032495).

References

  1. An, M., & Lim, H. (2020). Designing user participation smart photonic clothing prototype using arduino. Fashion & Textile Research Journal, 22(1), 55-65. https://doi.org/10.5805/SFTI.2020.22.1.55
  2. Choi, E., Sohn, S., & Yi, K. (2011). A study on types of municipal sanitation workers' occupational accident by work type. Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing, 20(2), 172-184. http://dx.doi.org/10.5807/kjohn.2011.20.2.172
  3. Cinquino, M., Prontera, C. T., Pugliese, M., Giannuzzi, R., Taurino, D., Gigli, G., & Maiorano, V. (2021). Light-emitting textiles: Device architectures, working principles, and applications. Micromachines, 12(6), 652. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi12060652
  4. Forbes, T. W. (1960). Human factors in highway design, operation and safety problems. Human Factors, 2(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872086000200101
  5. Han, H., & Jeon, E. (2012). An analysis of demands for the improvement of versatile safety vest for traffic police officers. Fashion & Textile Research Journal, 14(1), 100-108. http://dx.doi.org/10.5805/KSCI.2012.14.1.100
  6. Huh, J.-K., & Choi, H.-S. (2006). Construction of street cleaner uniform for the funtional improvement. Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles, 30(8), 1178-1187.
  7. Jansen, K. (2019, May 24). Smart textiles: How electronics merge into our clothing [Paper presentation]. 20th International Conference on Thermal, Mechanical and Multi-Physics Simulation and Experiments in Microelectronics and Microsystems, Hannover, Germany. https://doi.org/10.1109/EuroSimE.2019.8724586
  8. Ju, N., & Lee, K.-H. (2020). Consumer resistance to innovation: Smart clothing. Fashion and Textiles, 7, 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40691-020-00210-z
  9. Jung, M. H. (2022, April 28). "환경미화원 사고예방 위해 휴대 경광등 지급해달라" 요구에 정부의 답 [The government's answer to the request for "Proposal of portable warning lamps to prevent accidents involving street cleaners."]. Safety News. https://www.safetynews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=211955
  10. Kim, H. A. (2020). Effect of fabric structural parameters and surface finishing characteristics to water. Korean Fashion & Textile Research Journal, 22(1), 112-118. https://doi.org/10.5805/SFTI.2020.22.1.112
  11. Kim, H. J. (2014). Technological trend of functional clothing by analysis of Korean patent. Fashion & Textile Research Journal, 16(1), 160-166. https://doi.org/10.5805/SFTI.2014.16.1.160
  12. Kim, S., Lim, G.-Y., Kim, S., & Lee, J. (2023). Current status of international standardization for durability test methods in smart clothing and future challenges in enhancing product reliability and quality control. The Korean Fashion and Textile Research Journal, 48(1), 20-36. https://doi.org/10.5805/SFTI.2023.25.3.398
  13. Kim, S.-J., Yu, G.-W., & Cho, S. H. (2024). Research on development of OLED-based smart luminescent safety clothing. Korean Fashion & Textile Research Journal, 26(2), 218-226. https://doi.org/10.5805/SFTI.2024.26.2.218
  14. Kim, W. J. (2007). 알기 쉬운 한국건축 용어사전 [Easy dictionary of Korean architectural terms]. Dongnyok Publishers.
  15. Koo, H. S., Dunne, L., & Bye, E. (2014). Design functions in transformable garments for sustainability. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, 7(1), 10-20. https://doi.org/10.1080/17543266.2013.845250
  16. Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency. (2022). 환경미화원 작업안전 가이드라인 [Street cleaner's work safety guideline]. https://www.me.go.kr/home/file/readDownloadFile.do?fileId=234416&fileSeq=1
  17. Lahmann, N. A., Muller-Werdan, U., Kuntz, S., KlingehoferNoe, J., Jaenicke, F., & Strube-Lahmann, S. (2022). Conception and evaluation of a washable multimodal smart textile. Health and Technology, 12, 69-81. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12553-021-00619-6
  18. Lee, H.-Y. (2010). Evaluation of the functionality and visibility of commercial high-visibility clothing for nighttime usage. Korean Journal of Human Ecology, 19(6), 1053-1062. https://doi.org/10.5934/KJHE.2010.19.6.1053
  19. Lee, J., & Lee, H. K. (2023). Understanding the consumer experience about smart clothing using the critical incident technique. The Korean Fashion and Textile Research Journal, 25(3), 304-314. https://doi.org/10.5805/SFTI.2023.25.3.304
  20. Lim, S. W. (2021, January 28). 법따로 조례따로 오늘도 환경미화원은 위험하다 [The law and ordinance are different, so the sanitation center is still dangerous today]. Today's Labor News. https://www.labortoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=201094
  21. Malmivaara, M. (2009). The emergence of wearable computing. In J. McCann, & D. Bryson (Eds.), Smart clothes and wearable technology (pp. 3-24). Woodhead Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1533/9781845695668.1.3
  22. Meena, J. S., Cho, S. B., Jung, S.-B., & Kim, J.-W. (2023). Electronic textiles: New age of wearable technology for healthcare and fitness solutions. Materials Today Bio, 19, 100565. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100565
  23. Ministry of land, Infrastructure and Transport. (2019, March 3). 2018년 교통사고 사망자 3,781명, 1976년 이후 첫 3,000명대 [3,781 deaths in traffic accidents in 2018; 3,000 for the first time since 1976]. http://www.molit.go.kr/USR/NEWS/m_71/dtl.jsp?lcmspage=1&id=95081976
  24. Morris, K., Park, J., & Sarkar, A. (2017). Development of a nursing sports bra for physically active breastfeeding women through user-centered design. Clothing and Textile Research Journal, 35(4), 290-306. http://doi.org/10.1177/0887302X17722858
  25. Myong, J. P., Lee, H. K., Kim, H. R., Jung, H. S., Jeong, E. H., Nam, W., & Koo, J.-W. (2008). Musculo-skeletal symptoms of municipal sanitation workers and ergonomic evaluation on upperlimb. Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 20(2), 93-103. https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2008.20.2.93
  26. Norman, D. (2013). The design of everyday things: Revised and expanded edition. Basic books.
  27. Oh, S. H. (2023, October 27). 5년간 사망한 환경미화원 280명…부상은 3만여명 [280 street cleaners who died for 5 years...More than 30,000 people were injured]. Yonhap News. https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20231027021200051
  28. Park, J. K. & Kwon, Y. G. (2017). A study on prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and injury for street cleaners. Journal of the Korean Consumer Safety Association, 7(2), 75-109.
  29. Park, J., Kim, S. J., & Kim, J. (2021). Development of smart tote bags with marquage techniques using optical fiber and LEDs. Journal of Fashion Business, 25(1), 51-64. https://doi.org/10.12940/jfb.2021.25.1.51
  30. Park, K. S. (2014). 우리말 우리문화(상) [Korean language, Korean culture(1)]. Youkrack.
  31. Park, S. J. (2018). Analysis of current wearing status and satisfaction of warning clothing for road cleaner and traffic workers. Family and Environment Research, 56(4), 347-360. https://doi.org/10.6115/fer.2018.025
  32. Park, S., Dempoya, A., & Koshiba, T. (2020). Evaluation on wear sensation of safety clothing for current street cleaners: Focusing on publicly supplied safety clothing for street cleaners. Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles, 44(6), 1037-1052. https://doi.org/10.5850/JKSCT.2020.44.6.1037
  33. Park, S.-J., & Kim, S.-W. (2020). Designing and fabricating of the high-visibility smart safety clothing. Science of Emotion and Sensibility, 23(4), 105-116. https://doi.org/10.14695/KJSOS.2020.23.4.105
  34. Park, S.-J., Ko, D. J., & Jang, S. (2023). Development and evaluation of children's smart photonic safety clothing. Science of Emotion and Sensibility, 26(2), 129-140. https://doi.org/10.14695/KJSOS.2023.26.2.129
  35. Parkova, I., & Vi, A. (2014). Insulation of flexible light emitting display for smart clothing. WIT Transactions on the Built Environment, 137, 603-614. https://doi.org/10.2495/HPSM140551
  36. Roh, E. K., & Yoon, M. K. (2021). Analysis of characteristics of functional outers with moisture-permeable waterproof fabric: Focus on fabrics, washing.cares, design, patterns, subsidiary materials, and sewing. Fashion & Textile Research Journal, 23(1), 129-141. https://doi.org/10.5805/SFTI.2021.23.1.129
  37. Rotzler, S., Kallmayer, C., Dils, C., von Krshiwoblozki, M., Bauer, U., & Schneider-Ramelow, M. (2020). Improving the washability of smart textiles: Influence of different washing conditions on textile integrated conductor tracks. The Journal of the Textile Institute, 111(12), 1766-1777. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405000.2020.1729056
  38. Rotzler, S., Krshiwoblozki, M. V., & Schneider-Ramelow, M. (2021). Washability of e-textiles: Current testing practices and the need for standardization. Textile Research Journal, 91(19-20), 2401-2417. https://doi.org/10.1177/0040517521996727
  39. Sanders, E. B. N. (2002). From user-centered to participatory design approaches. In J. Frascara (Ed.), Design and the social sciences (pp. 18-25). CRC Press.
  40. Van Heek, J., Schaar, A. K., Trevisan, B., Bosowski, P., & Ziefle, M. (2014, July 23). User requirements for wearable smart textiles. Does the usage context matter (medical vs. sports)? [Paper presentation]. 4th International Workshop on User-Centered Design of Pervasive Healthcare Applications, Oldenburg, Germany. https://doi.org/10.13140/2.1.1201.7925
  41. Van Kampen, V., Hoffmeyer, F., Seifert, C., Bruning, T., & Bunger, J. (2020). Occupational health hazards of street cleaners: A literature review considering prevention practices at the workplace. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 33(6), 701-732. https://doi.org/10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01576
  42. Vervust, T., Buyle, G., Bossuyt, F., & Vanfleteren, J. (2012). Integration of stretchable and washable electronic modules for smart textile applications. Journal of the Textile Institute, 103(10), 1127-1138. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405000.2012.664866
  43. Watkins, S. M. (1998). 의복과 환경 [The portable environment]. Ewha Womans University Press.
  44. Watkins, S. M., & Dunne, L. E. (2015). Functional clothing design. Bloomsbury.
  45. Webber, J., Wuschke, J., Bonita, S. B., & Mortenson, W. B. (2021). Evaluating common approaches to improve visibility of wheelchair users. Journal of Assistive Technology, 33(4), 201-205. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2019.1608478
  46. Yoon, J.-A., Oh, Y., Oh, H., & Lee, Y. (2018). Development of energy-harvesting based safety apparel for night workers. The Research Journal of the Costume Culture, 26(4), 503-518. https://doi.org/10.29049/rjcc.2018.26.4.503