The Apparel Innovation Centre (AIC) in Calgary, a partnership between Olds College and AGM Wear Ltd. (Alberta Garment), is working with a company to make more modern and accurate body measurements for today's population — and they're asking for your help.
With the help of Human Solutions NA, Inc. AIC is working on a 3D body scan size survey. They hope to measure 1,000 southern Albertan, from ages six to 75 between now and March 13.
When complete, the survey will include more than 17,000 men, women and children from across North America. Results will be shared with stakeholders from the clothing and automotive industries.
Every person who completes the online survey and body scan will receive $20, a news release from Olds College says.
"Precise knowledge of human body shapes is indispensable for the development of vehicles and apparel (clothing)," the release says.
"The body measurements and proportions of the North American population have changed considerably in recent decades, as has the demographic structure of the USA and Canada. The measurement data and size tables that are currently in use derive from old data and can therefore only help the industry in a limited way," it adds.
"People change, and the industry will use the information collected in this survey to make better customer oriented products."
Data about children and young adults is also a major focus for the AIC.
“The survey will give us information that can be used by the automotive industry to determine new standards for safety, handling and comfort in new product development," says Andrea Luebke, project manager of Human Solutions NA, Inc.
"Results will also give apparel manufacturers the opportunity to optimize sizes and to assign current body proportions to their company-specific sizes systems.”
To participate, visit www.sizenorthamerica.com to make an appointment, fill out the questionnaire (which will come to you with your email confirmation), then visit the Apparel Innovation Centre to get your scan done.
The on-site procedure will take about 15 minutes, including four 3D body scans, a foot scan and five measurements.
