EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A CDIO-BASED SMART SAFETY JACKET FOR DEAF USERS: FASHION TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Abstract

The integration of wearable technology into inclusive education presents a promising avenue for empowering individuals with disabilities, particularly the deaf community. Despite advancements in smart textiles, few innovations have specifically addressed the intersection of fashion technology education and safety for deaf users. To bridge this gap, this study evaluates the effectiveness of a CDIO (Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate) based smart safety jacket developed for deaf individuals in educational and community settings. The primary objective was to assess the improvement in safety functionality, the accuracy and usability of biometric monitoring components, and the differences in user satisfaction between student and community groups. This quantitative study employed a quasi-experimental design, involving a pre-test and two post-tests, to collect data from two user groups: fashion technology students and community members with hearing impairments. Three key constructs, safety, health monitoring, and usability, were evaluated using structured questionnaires. Inferential statistics, including two-way ANOVA and independent t-tests, were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Results revealed significant improvements in safety and health scores over time (p < .01), affirming the functional impact of the CDIO-based intervention. Usability scores showed a notable difference between groups (p = .006), with students reporting slightly higher satisfaction, suggesting that age-related or technological familiarity effects may be at play. The discussion reflects how CDIO’s iterative, user-centred design enhances assistive garment functionality while promoting inclusivity and autonomy. The findings demonstrate that incorporating CDIO principles into smart garment development not only improves safety and health monitoring but also fosters user engagement and educational integration. This research contributes new insights into the convergence of wearable technology, inclusive design, and fashion education for special populations.