V Sparkle

Business, Education and Social Welfare Sectors Collaborate to Launch Barrier-free Fitting Rooms

Community Engagement Unit (CEU) is thrilled to announce the launch of a barrier-free fitting room in collaboration with Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) Engineering Discipline , Hong Kong PHAB Association (HKPHAB), and local lingerie brand Her own words in mid-July.

Last year, HKPHAB reached out to CEU to bring the concept of a “wheelchair-friendly fitting room”. This was prompted by HKPHAB’s "Shopping Experience Survey for Elderly and Persons with Mobility Impairment" conducted last year, which showed that 90% of people with mobility difficulties founds fitting rooms were too small, affecting their willingness to shop, while only 7% of respondents felt the facilities met their needs. Common issues included inconvenient hook placements, unfriendly door locks, and poorly designed handrails.

A special thanks to the IVE Engineering Discipline for involving seven students from the Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering and Higher Diploma in Architectural Studies in the design process. Before finalising the design, they gathered valuable feedback from wheelchair users about the common challenges they face while trying on clothes and conducted extensive research by visiting various boutiques to analyse fitting room layouts. CEU also successfully invited Her own words to participate in this collaboration, integrating real consumer experience into the design, which is being piloted in one of their stores.

Legislative Councilor Dr. Hon. TIK Chi-yuen, SBS, JP also attended the launch event to support HKPHAB’s survey and the students’ design. He emphasised that wheelchair users are no different from others and have the right to "dress up" and go out. The students’ design can enhance their willingness to shop. Two IVE Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering students also introduced the 10 key design features of the fitting room at the event, including spacious area for 360-degree wheelchair movement, special designed curtain to prevent wheelchair wheel entanglement, and adjustable multi-angle mirrors.

One wheelchair user expressed great satisfaction after visiting the fitting room, highlighting how the built-in handrails significantly reduce fall risks and enhance safety. The multi-angle mirrors also allow them to see how clothes fit without turning around.

This cross-sector collaboration among social welfare, education and business is highly significant. CEU hopes to see more fashion brands adopting barrier-free fitting room designs, allowing students' VPET skills to continue making a positive impact in the community.

[Photo 1] A spacious 2m × 2.1m area to allow for 360-degree wheelchair movement and facilitate free access.

[Photo 2] Foldable handrails to help electric wheelchair users transfer independently from their wheelchairs to the seat.

[Photo 3] Special designed curtain to prevent wheelchair wheel entanglement and helps people with limited hand movement open doors easily.

[Photo 4] Three IVE Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering students, SZETO Tsz-kan (second from left), LAU Mei-yee (middle), and CHAN Chi-hin (second from right), received certificates of appreciation from HKPHAB’s Executive Director Ms. Alvina Chau (right). Additionally, certificates for the other fourstudents were accepted on their behalf by Ir Edmond WONG Hon-ping, Head of Department of Construction of IVE (Tsing Yi)

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