Inside the product development of this Impact winner’s innovative chest binder design
Miles Kilburn’s project Breathe is making chest binding safer for trans and non-binary people
Industrial Designer Miles Kilburn’s idea for Breathe, a smart chest binder for trans and non-binary people, was at a very early stage when it was shortlisted for a Future Impact Pencil in 2020. With the help of the D&AD Impact Programme, Kilburn was able to turn his idea into a product that will make a real difference to those who chest bind – the process of flattening one’s breast using tight garments to appear more masculine.
“The programme helped us reframe our idea into more than just an idea,” says Kilburn, who was supported by mentorship from the D&AD Impact Council to develop both the technology and the business. Here, Kilburn talks about his binder which now uses shape memory materials to allow the wearer to customise its tightness on-the-go using a remote control or app – helping the wearer to take discreet breaks from chest-binding without having to find a private space.
D&AD Impact celebrates creative ideas that are making a real and positive difference to the world. D&AD Awards 2022 is now open for entries. Submit your work and be part of more.
