UI students introduce inclusive bra innovation for elderly and disabled

Students from the Creative Business Study Programme, Vocational Education Programme (BKV) at the University of Indonesia (UI) have introduced Rekat, an inclusive bra designed to simplify the dressing process for women with motor limitations, the elderly, and persons with disabilities without sacrificing comfort and aesthetics. Moved by the condition, Rekat was developed by five UI Vocational students: Patricia Revi De Mila, Quency Nova Mardira, Aulia Attaya, Nayang Nurizah, and Annas Tasya. “Dressing is a basic daily routine that often becomes a major challenge for women with physical limitations, even affecting their independence and self-confidence,” said Patricia Revi De Mila in Depok on Wednesday. The project was born from a Product Development course that requires students to identify real problems in society, design solutions, and produce a functional prototype. This innovation is considered highly relevant to the fulfilment of accessibility rights in Indonesia. Based on 2023 data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), there are approximately 22.97 million persons with disabilities in Indonesia, equivalent to 8.5 percent of the total population. The idea was further strengthened after one team member witnessed first-hand the motor difficulties experienced by her own family member. Through a user-centred design approach, Rekat is a wireless bra equipped with a front magnetic interlock system. This front magnetic clasp mechanism allows users to put on and take off the garment with much simpler and more independent movements compared to conventional back clasp structures. “We learned that innovation does not always mean creating something entirely new. Sometimes, the best innovation comes from the ability to understand user needs and simplify their experience. From this process, we realised that empathy is an important part of creating solutions that are truly relevant and impactful,” said Patricia Revi. Director of the UI Vocational Education Programme, Dr. Safrin Arifin, affirmed that Rekat is a real manifestation of how science and creativity in the classroom are transformed into inclusive social action. Rekat also has the potential to become a model for inclusive fashion innovation in Indonesia, paving the way for the emergence of creative products that are disability-friendly and socially equitable.