UI students introduce inclusive bra innovation for elderly and disabled
Dressing is a basic daily routine that often becomes a major challenge for women with physical limitations, even affecting their independence and self-confidence.
Depok (ANTARA) - Students of the Creative Business vocational programme at the University of Indonesia (UI) have introduced Rekat, an inclusive bra designed to ease the dressing process for women with limited mobility, the elderly, and people with disabilities, without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics.
Motivated by these conditions, 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 functional prototypes. The innovation is considered highly relevant to fulfilling accessibility rights in Indonesia.
According to 2023 data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), there are approximately 22.97 million people with disabilities in Indonesia, equivalent to 8.5 per cent of the total population.
The idea gained further strength after one team member witnessed first-hand the mobility challenges experienced by a family member.
Through a user-centred design approach, Rekat takes the form of a wireless bra equipped with a front magnetic interlock system.
The magnetic clasp mechanism at the front allows users to put on and remove the garment with far simpler, independent movements compared to conventional rear clasps.
“We learned that innovation does not always mean creating something entirely new. Sometimes, the best innovation comes from the ability to understand users’ needs and simplify their experience. Through this process, we realised that empathy is a crucial part of creating solutions that are truly relevant and impactful,” said Patricia Revi.
The Director of UI’s Vocational Education Programme, Dr Safrin Arifin, emphasised that Rekat is a tangible 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 creative products that are disability-friendly and socially equitable.