Design Thinking Applied to Home Textiles Innovation: A Case Study in an Elderly Centre in Hong Kong

The ageing society is a challenging social issue, yet it implies growing demand for elderly goods and services. current development of textile products, however, appears to neglect everyday use. This paper used case study demonstrate the utilization design thinking, human-centric methodology, in order develop creative solution care centers, taking into account their needs preferences with regard textiles. Starting from empathy, complex problems were identified, ideas generated. As skin-protective home textile, chitosan, natural antibacterial material, has been suggested development. By using iterative processes, spinning problem was tackled; biological physical characteristics studied; design, sizing, patterns printing created refined fulfill needs; mass production bedding, apron handkerchief successfully achieved; pre-posttest trial conducted determine satisfaction level potential help prototypes. feedback generally positive highly satisfied. Hence, this indicates that thinking approach may provide an effective method understanding empathy discovering solutions most likely meet users.