My Mother’s Hands
Kristen Brown
5.5.2020
Materials: Fabric, plastic, glue, zipper
My final project, features an eco-friendly and minimalist glove design. The concept of an affordable, washable, and durable glove was inspired by looking at my mom’s hands. Her hands have been rubbed raw from an excessive amount of handwashing in an effort to prevent infection from the novel coronavirus. In the photo, she holds a dinner fork in one hand and a remote control in the other. These two stationary objects paired with her over washed hands illustrate the new way of life we have adapted to: sheltering in place, catching up on the latest Netflix shows, and taking extra precautions to prevent sickness. I wanted to create an efficient and aesthetically pleasing design that would lessen the number of times my mom would have to wash her hands.
There is a dearth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the health care industry. Doctors and nurses require nitrile gloves when working with ill patients, and as the coronavirus continues to spread, their supply continues to diminish. To preserve the nitrile gloves for those in the medical industry, I wanted to offer the average, everyday person an alternative glove option. The outer layer of the glove is composed of fabric as opposed to latex so that the glove feels less cold and sterile and more familiar. A zipper repurposed from a dress is sewn on the edge of the glove. This design element provides an additional layer of functionality, as the zipper allows for a tailored fit around the hand’s contour. The inner lining of the glove is a recycled Hefty bag and protects the user’s hand from contamination. Efficient and hygienic, this glove comes in blue, red, off white, and my personal favorite, black. Hopefully, my design concept will help alleviate not only the anxiety surrounding the pandemic but also the number of times we have to scrub our hands raw.
