Bicycle commuting is increasing in popularity due to exercise benefits, cost savings, and environmental concerns. Available specialized cycling apparel does not reflect the aesthetic and expressive needs of the bicycle commuter. Urban bicycle commuters need clothing that allows them to bicycle safely and effectively while maintaining their identity as professionals....
In this dissertation, I posited the need to understand how an invented community (the Society for Creative Anachronism) constructs symbolic meaning in material objects and value systems. Using ethnographic methods, I focused on the Knights and their regalia as this is the most widely accepted material symbolism. People go to...
The purpose of the study was to investigate practical guidelines based on empirical evidence for effective website design, including both home page and product pages. This research consists of two consecutive empirical studies. Study 1 was one factor (home page design: image- vs. text-oriented home page) between-subjects design with two...
Athletic workout clothing is designed to help the wearer stay comfortable, cool,
and dry. There are several different styles of athletic apparel available at retailers and each individual has a preference as to what is comfortable for him or her. Comfort of clothing has traditionally been related to the fabric...
This study sought to gain a better understanding of the communication behaviors between coaches and male and female athletes. Four focus groups (male coach and male athletes, male coach and female athlete, female coach and male athletes, and female coach and female athletes) were used to assess athletes' perceptions of...
The purpose of the present study is to examine consumers' privacy concerns in the online shopping context. Drawing from Social Contract Theory, the present study proposed a structure equation model to examine how consumers' evaluations of online shopping experiences (perceived benefit, risk and fairness) and attitudes (trust, moods, and repurchase...
This qualitative study investigated how urban adolescents' in Botswana personalized bedrooms to express identity and develop place attachment because identity development in adolescents is important. Participants living in Gaborone, capital city of Botswana, were purposively selected from local schools. There were ten (10) non-sharing urban adolescents aged 14-18 years. Data...
As designer it is important to understand the needs and wants of the
consumer. In sportswear design it is particularly important to know what
consumers think they want and what are the physical movements needs which
the apparel must meet. This study was developed to provide the researcher with
a...
When apparel companies and retailers attempt to strengthen their established brands and existing markets, there are two primary strategies for companies and retailers: 1) adopting a new designer for an existing brand to attract a new target customer, and/or 2) adding a product design line to an existing brand to...
Throughout history, there have been many examples of political figures who have influenced fashion: from Theodore Roosevelt to Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama. Companies have taken advantage of the influence that political figures have as fashion opinion leaders, even going so far as to purchase keywords such as "Michelle Obama"...