Name(s): Sophie Skelton

Research Plan (to Accompany Form 1A)

A) Rationale
Include a brief synopsis of the background that supports your research problem and explain why this research is
important and if applicable, explain any societal impact of your research.
There has been a good amount of research done on existing bra types, but there still a lack of existing options for
women who have larger chest sizes. Sports bras just aren't made to be that comfortable; from tight band sizes around
the chest, to cup wires digging into the chest/armpit, to clips on straps that dig into your back and shoulders. It’s like
it’s not important to make a comfortable and accessible option for women who are over a certain cup size. Then
there’s a whole other problem having to deal with the extreme discomfort a rough sweaty fabric.
B) Research Question(s)​, ​Hypothesis(es), Engineering Goal(s), Expected
Outcomes.
How is this based on the rationale described above?
Research Question(s): Is it possible to reinvent the brassiere for larger chest sizes, while fixing all target issues.
Hypothesis(es): If I can switch wires and bands out for a sort of longer hem to support (not unlike a corset (in design,
not in restriction) ), then it might be easier to make cups more comfortable in movement.
Engineering Goal(s): Bodice: Have a comfortable support system that can withstand exercise without using wire cups
and offers a significant amount of more movability/breathability.
Straps: a comfortable and adjustable strap that doesn't slip or dig into the shoulder/back, that functions just as well as
a strap that has clips.
Expected Outcomes: Although it might take a couple of prototypes, by the end I expect to have made a comfortable
and usable brassiere that has extremely comfortable and adjustable straps, has no pinching or digging at all, and can
support the chest comfortably when exercising or relaxing.
Procedure(s)
Detail all procedures and experimental design including methods for data collection. Describe only your project. Do
not include work done by mentors or others.
1. Make sure to have the basic use of the sewing machine down.
2. Research the different options for fabric use. Look for the following: comfort, support, breathability,
movability, costs, reliable buying source, etc.
3. Use as much of old recycled bras as much as possible.
4. Start on strap design first.
5. Bodice design will be made separate so that sizing will be easier to handle without straps in the way.
6. Once the first prototype is finished, set up the following tests:
a. Comfort: See if the bra pinches or digs anywhere. Do standard yoga poses

b. Support: Wear prototype all-day, and see how it compares to the standard discomfort from wearing a
bra all day.

c. Exercise/Breathability: Go on a run. See if it actually allows for movement but not too much
movement. Take note of how sweat affects the comfort factor.

7. Take note of any discomfort or problems in design. Make altercations as necessary.

Risk and Safety

Identify any potential risks and safety precautions needed.
● A needle breaking and flying toward an important body part.
● Sewing your finger.
● Hair being sucked into the sewing machine.
Name(s): Sophie Skelton
Data Analysis
Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data/results.
1. Comfort: See if the bra pinches or digs anywhere. Do standard yoga poses
2. Support: Wear prototype all-day, and see how it compares to the standard discomfort from wearing a bra all
day.
3. Exercise/Breathability: Go on a run. See if it actually allows for movement but not too much movement. Take
note of how sweat affects the comfort factor.

IF Applicable
Below are subject-specific guidelines for additional items to be included in your
research plan/project summary as applicable.
Human participants research:
a. Participants:​ Describe the age range, gender, racial/ethnic composition of participants. Identify vulnerable
populations (minors, pregnant women, prisoners, mentally disabled, or economically disadvantaged).
b. Recruitment:​ Where will you find your participants? How will they be invited to participate?
c. Methods:​ What will participants be asked to do? Will you use any surveys, questionnaires, or tests? What is the
frequency and length of time involved for each subject?
d. Risk Assessment:​ What are the risks or potential discomforts (physical, psychological, time involved, social, legal,
etc.) to participants? How will you minimize risks? List any benefits to society or participants.
e. Protection of Privacy:​ Will identifiable information (e.g., names, telephone numbers, birth dates, email addresses)
be collected? Will data be confidential/anonymous? If anonymous, describe how the data will be collected. If not
anonymous, what procedures are in place for safeguarding confidentiality? Where will data be stored? Who will have
access to the data? What will you do with the data after the study?
f. Informed Consent Process:​ Describe how you will inform participants about the purpose of the study, what they
will be asked to do, that their participation is voluntary and they have the right to stop at any time.

Vertebrate animal research:

a. Discuss potential ALTERNATIVES to vertebrate animal use and present justification for the use of vertebrates.
b. Explain the potential impact or contribution of this research.
c. Detail all procedures to be used, including methods used to minimize potential discomfort, distress, pain, and injury
to the animals, and detailed chemical concentrations and drug dosages.
d. Detail animal numbers, species, strain, sex, age, source, etc., include justification of the numbers planned.
e. Describe housing and oversight of daily care
f. Discuss the disposition of the animals at the termination of the study.
Potentially hazardous biological agents research:
a. Give the source of the organism and describe the BSL assessment process and BSL determination.
b. Detail safety precautions and discuss methods of disposal.

Hazardous chemicals, activities & devices:

• Describe the Risk Assessment process, supervision, safety precautions, and methods of disposal.