Parsons Open Style Lab

Course Description - Parsons Open Style Lab

Instructor: Grace Jun, Assistant Professor of Fashion

Open to all university graduate degree and undergraduate students.

This collaborative studio course at The New School, Parsons School of Design challenges students to create wearable solutions that encompass style and functionality for the inclusion of people with disabilities (injury, aging included). Courses offered range from electives to BFA Thesis class with and are based on faculty research and practice a nonprofit called Open Style Lab,

Students strongly focus on user-centered design processes to make design accessible by having people with disabilities be part of the class curriculum. All students are able to conduct a series of interviews with one mentor with a disability to determine a framework and process that prioritizes a concise goal. From kinetic draping to using 3d-printing to create new clothing closures, students are able to apply techniques towards inclusion. Guest speakers from people in the fields of physical/occupational therapy, health, and various retail industries visit to help shape the conversation on accessible design.