PARTICIPANT INFORMATION AND CONSENT FORM: Mature Women Consumers
This informed consent form is for women over the age of 45 years, who I am inviting to participate in the online questionnaire.
Research Title: “Futuristic Bras: Developing a Design Process for Bra Wearables”
This Informed Consent Form is to share information about the study with you. If you have any questions you may contact myself or my supervisors: Professor Sandy Black [ S.Black@Fashion.arts.ac.uk] and Dr. Aurore Bardey [A.Bardey@Fashion.arts.ac.uk].
Please note by clicking ‘Ok, Enter’ into the questionnaire you are giving your consent to participate. As your participation is completely voluntary you may stop and exit at any time.
Introduction
My name is Kadian Gosler, and I am a Ph.D. student conducting research for my thesis at The University of Arts London. I am doing research on wearable technology in the bra product, referred to as bra wearables, and understanding consumers experience, opinions, wants and needs on the topic. I am going to give you information and invite you to be part of this research. You do not have to decide today whether or not you will participate in the research. Before you decide, you can talk to anyone you feel comfortable with about the research. Please go through the information sheet and email me any questions you have.
Purpose of the research
Wearable technology is making its way into fashion in a variety of ways from smart jackets (Levi’s Commuter Jacket), workout gear (Under Armour’s Biometric Compression Shirt) and sports bras (Vitali, OmBra, and Sensoria). As of date, wearable technology is still in its infancy and in need of consumer guidance. This research is focusing specifically on wearable technology in the bra product. Therefore, I want to understand the female consumers experience, opinions, wants, and needs in this area. For example, how do you interact with technology and see technology being integrated into your life? What has your bra wearing experience been like? What occasions do you purchase bras for? Have your bra preferences changed as you’ve aged? Furthermore, this research focuses on designing for health & wellbeing, therefore questions will ask about emotional, physical, mental and sexual health around issues like menopause, body changes and ageing.
Type of Research Intervention
This research will involve your participation in a, confidential and anonymous, 15-20 minutes online questionnaire and will be conducted through a secure online questionnaire system, called SurveyMonkey.
Participant Selection & Benefits
You are being invited to take part in this research because I feel that your experience as a bra wearer can contribute much to my understanding and knowledge of what consumers are looking for in bra wearables. The benefits to your participating is sharing your expertise and experience to help guide the industry in including the female consumer into the development of products for them.
Voluntarily Participation
Your participation in this research is entirely voluntary. It is your choice whether to participate or not. By clicking into the questionnaire portion, you are giving consent to partake in this research. You are free to withdraw at any time for any reason.
Duration
The questionnaire will be open for up to 2 months closing in May 2019. After that the questionnaire will be locked and removed from the system.
Institution Reviewed
This proposal has been reviewed and approved by the University’s Research Committee (URC) and Research Ethics Sub-Committee which is a committee whose task it is to make sure that research participants are protected from harm. If you wish to find about more about the URC, contact researchethics@arts.ac.uk .