Journal of Emerging Trends in Economics and Management Sciences: Home

Article Title:
Design Criteria Utilised to Develop Prototype Jackets for Motorcycle Riders in Rural Communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
by Thompson Dorothy (Ph.D)

Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine design criteria for the production of prototype jackets for motorcycle riders. Specifically, the study determined functional apparel needs of motorcycle riders and design criteria for the production of the prototype apparel. The study was carried out in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The population comprised 4,650 motorcyclists. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select 195subjects for the study. The instrument data collection was a 13-item Functional Apparel Design Assessment Instrument for Motorcyclists (FADCIM). One research questions guided the study. Frequencies, mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis. Findings revealed 13 design criteria required for the production of prototype jackets which were positively rated by the study participants. Mean values ranged from 4.85 ? 5.00 on a 5-point Likert-type scale. One of the recommendations among others was that the findings of this study should be made available to apparel industries and manufacturers in Nigeria to encourage the production of functional clothing based on established criteria obtained from needs assessment studies in other occupations as well.

Keywords: design, prototype jackets, motorcycle riders, rural communities, design criteria.

Download full paper