Research

Research Interests

Research interests focus on dynamic processes within fashion design and product development.  Current investigations include techniques for gathering and presenting information about human bodies in 2D and 3D.  By exploring the use of digital and non-digital methods, I aim to address critical issues relating to how and why bodies are presented and represented through fashion.

I am particularly interested in practices inclusivity, of diversity, difference, change and transformation, transition, construction and reconstruction. I advocate positive body image.

My current practice based PhD is on the topic of:

Artificial female bodies as an intervention for contemporary body experiences.

Within my work and research I use a range of digital and avatar technologies including tools to represent the body; 3D body scanners, CLO3D, Gerber3D, VStitcher, Virtual Alvaforms. 3D printing processes and outputs using Fusion360 are of interest, as is the use of VR and AR to work ‘phygitally’ (hybrid physical and digital practices).

Academic collaborations

(209) Science and Industry Museum Public Engagment event - Avatar Me! workshop where visitors experienced body scanning, becoming an avatar and customising their avatar and a digital tshirt in 3D. 

(2018-2019) TRANS travelling exhibition as part of IFFTI (International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes). TRANSfiguring the female form. An installation re-presenting the body explored through a longitudinal study of 3D body scans of one female torso, presented using 2D CAD and 3D printing. First exhibition at Bunka in Tokyo (2018), and Manchester Fashion Institute (2019).

(2017-2019) Currently part of a cross disciplinary team on a £50k innovation funded Starworks Devices for Dignity project. The project is working with NHS National Institute for Health Research, prostheticians, and parents of children with congenital upper limb differences. The team presented their progress for a fashion based 3D printable Child Upper Limb 3D Printable Prosthetic, I developed new methods to help parents and children become familiar with the 3D printed limb options using fashion as an underlying process.

S. Grogan, J. Mechan, S. Persson, S. Finlay, M. Hall (2017). I’ve got a very dichotomous difference in the way that I perceive myself”: Positive and negative constructions of body image following cancer treatment. Journal of Health Psychology. pp.135910531773089-135910531773089.

Mechan. J, (2016) in collaboration with CRUK (Cancer Research UK) Interplay and Interactions of Science, Cancer, Body and Cloth’ was an installation in  ‘The Fabric of Research’ public engagement proejct presented at Manchester Design & Draft Centre. The event formed part of the European City of Science Festival (ECoS) trail.

S. Grogan, J. Mechan (2016). Body image after mastectomy: A thematic analysis of younger women’s written accounts. Journal of Health Psychology 22(11), pp.1480-1490.

J. Mechan (2016) I initiated a project collaboration with G. Housley, E. Keefe, J. Earnshaw.  I presented my findings at the International Creative Cut Conference, University of Huddersfield, titled Defining a Theoretical Model: The Application of 3D Printing as a Disruptive Technology, Explored Through the Analysis of the Process of Creative Garment Development. 

Expert reviewer for journals and publishers

Reviewer for:

Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management

Bloomsbury Publishing

Laurence King Publishing

Projects and initiatives

2017 ESRC funded body scanning (body image experiences) – a public engagement event at Manchester City Art Gallery. Collaborative with professor Sarah Grogan (Psychology) & Dr Kathryn Brownbridge.

2016 “Interplay and Interactions of Science, Cancer, Body & Cloth” – garment installation incorporating 3D printed elements and garment technologies at Manchester Design and Craft Centre as part of the European City of Science in Manchester. This project was in collaboration with Cancer Research UK scientists and with thanks to public volunteers.

2016 Body Scanning Project for sportwear company - project won MMU Enterprise Award

2015 Body Scanning Project for major online fashion retailer - managed final stages of the project and report compilation - project shortlisted for an MMU Enterprise Award

2014 invitatoin to present at the annual conference of a global bio surgery supplier topic of body image and body change experiences.

2011 industry training for a supplier of MOD garment products, focussed on the process of technical specifications, critical path and workflow.

Exhibitions

2018-2019 IFFTI - Travelling Exhibition Japan & England - ‘TRANSfiguring the female form’.  Longitudinal study of the female forrm incorporating 2D CAD and 3D printing. 

2016 - Interplay and Interactions of Science, Cancer, Body and Cloth - As part of the European City of Science Trail, public engagement event at Manchester Design and Craft Centre, in collaboration with Cancer Research UK

2016 - Poster presentation at MMU Body Image and Appearance Network Conference – Women’s Body Image and Change Experiences