Ariya Xuxu Amoozegar-Montero

Digital Manufacturing for Bras after Breast Reconstruction and Lumpectomy Surgery

Ariya Xuxu Amoozegar-Montero
This PhD thesis tackled the challenges of bra fitting for individuals who have undergone breast cancer surgery, examining their experiences and preferences concerning post-surgery bras in Aotearoa. It aimed to explore the potential of 3D knitting and #D scanning for mass customisation manufacturing, with two primary objectives:

  1. Understanding how breast surgery impacts bra fit and experiences, and establishing design guidelines for a 3D-knitted bra.
  2. Developing prototypes of a 3D-knitted bra aligned with design criteria and creating a process to convert breast measurements into a knitting pattern for production.

Qualitative methods, such as interviews and cultural probes, were used to comprehend post-surgery experiences, revealing comfort, appearance, and emotional attachment as crucial factors in bra preferences. The study concentrated on crafting 3D-knitted bra prototypes and exploring custom sizing methods. Seamless 3D knitting was explored to promote sustainable manufacturing practices by minimising waste and enabling customisation at a mass production level.

Key findings highlighted the transformative impact of surgery on bra fit, the role of bras in restoring post-surgery confidence, and the feasibility of producing custom-sized 3D-knitted bras. Practical implications included advocating for sustainable manufacturing practices and the necessity to rethink bra design for comfort, support, and inclusivity. The outcomes of this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the unique needs and experiences of bra wearers post-breast surgery and the critical role that bras play after surgery.

Supervisors

Academic awards

WDSI Alpha Iota Delta Honour Society Best Paper 2024; HealthTech Award for Best Translational Research Project 2023; Wellington Doctoral Submission Scholarship; KiwiNet Emerging Innovator Programme; MedTech CoRE Student Grant; Best oral presentation for Manufacturing and Design 2019