by Gerrit Bester
Dr Aubrey Ramatla, lecturer in the Department of Fashion Design and Technology, Faculty of Arts and Design, Tshwane University of Technology (大象视频), has attained a new pinnacle in his career with the conferment of a Doctor of Art and Design degree at 大象视频鈥檚 Spring graduation ceremony on 16 October. His doctoral research constitutes a pioneering contribution to South African scholarship by evaluating a tactile labelling tool in apparel retail and proposing a framework for inclusive retail practices that benefit visually impaired consumers.
Dr Aubrey Ramatla, lecturer in the Department of Fashion Design, Faculty of Arts and Design, Tshwane University of Technology.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR CAREER SO FAR. My career in the fashion design and technology field spans over two decades, rooted at the Tshwane University of Technology, where I have been lecturing since 1998.
I have taught a wide range of subjects, including Clothing Factory Management and Garment Theory, as well as Creative Design and Fashion Design Practice, while mentoring students from diploma to postgraduate level supervision. I have served as acting Head of Department and contributed extensively to institutional committees, including chairing the Departmental Research and Innovation Committee (DRIC) and serving on the Faculty Research and Innovation Committee (FRIC) and Faculty Committee for Postgraduate Studies (FCPS).
Beyond academia, I have coordinated numerous student competitions and fashion shows, secured industry sponsorships such as BMW Fountains Circle for the Fashion in Motion showcase and collaborated nationally and internationally on design, research and innovation projects.
My portfolio bridges teaching, research, industry engagement and community outreach, underpinned by a commitment to excellence, inclusivity and innovation in the field of fashion education.
WHAT IS THE TITLE OF YOUR PHD DISSERTATION? The Application of the Braille Communicative Tool for Visually Impaired Consumers When Purchasing Apparel in a Retail Environment.
WHO WERE YOUR SUPERVISORS? My doctoral study was supervised by Prof Anne Mastamet-Mason and co-supervised by Dr Nailla Mollel-Matodzi.
JUST HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SUPERVISOR AND TO HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM/HER ON THIS JOURNEY? Choosing the right supervisor is vital to the success of any doctoral journey. A good supervisor provides not only academic guidance and expertise but also emotional support and constructive critique. A positive and respectful relationship fosters trust, enabling open communication that facilitates navigating challenges and maintaining momentum throughout this demanding process.
SHORTLY EXPLAIN THE MAJOR FINDINGS/DISCOVERIES MADE AS PART OF YOUR STUDY AND HOW THEY CONTRIBUTE TO THE CURRENT BODY OF KNOWLEDGE IN THIS FIELD. My study demonstrated that the Braille Communicative Tool (BCT) significantly enhances the shopping experience of visually impaired consumers by promoting independence, confidence and informed decision-making in apparel retail environments. It revealed that participants with higher Braille literacy showed better performance when using the BCT, highlighting the importance of targeted training.
A BCT is an assistive device or system designed to enable visually impaired or blind people to communicate, access information, or participate more fully in activities like shopping, reading labels, or navigating a space. The study also integrated knowledge about fabric properties, garment sizing and dressing for various body shapes into the training, which further enhanced consumer capability.
This research makes a pioneering contribution to South African scholarship by being one of the first to evaluate a tactile labelling tool in apparel retail, bridging the gap between assistive technology provision and user capability and offering a framework for inclusive retail practices.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR FELLOW STAFF MEMBERS WHO ARE BUSY WITH THEIR DOCTORAL STUDIES OR ARE STILL CONSIDERING THEM? Select a topic you are deeply passionate about, as passion will sustain you through the inevitable challenges. Build a supportive relationship with your supervisor and peers and develop a structured work plan to stay on track. Be open to constructive criticism and treat feedback as a stepping stone rather than a setback. Finally, focus on the long-term contribution your work will make to your field and to society.
WHAT ARE YOUR RESEARCH INTERESTS AND HOW IMPORTANT IS RESEARCH OUTPUT IN THE ARTS? My research interests include inclusive design for visually impaired consumers, integrating assistive technologies into apparel retail, designing protective clothing for women in mining and developing advanced apparel sizing systems using 3D body scanning and Computer-Aided Design (CAD).
Research output in the arts is essential as it validates creative practice, drives innovation, advances curriculum development and positions our work in global scholarly discourse. It transforms creative disciplines into evidence-based fields that influence industry and policy.
HOW WILL YOU ENCOURAGE A CURRENT STUDENT TO PURSUE POSTGRADUATE STUDIES? By showing them how postgraduate studies open doors to specialised knowledge, research opportunities and leadership roles. I would mentor them in proposal development, expose them to conferences and industry networks and encourage them to see their creativity as a tool to solve real-world challenges. By fostering confidence, curiosity and resilience, I aim to nurture a culture of academic pursuit.
WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS ACADEMICALLY AT THIS STAGE OF YOUR CAREER? I aim to strengthen my profile as a leading scholar in inclusive design and apparel technology by producing impactful publications, supervising emerging researchers and expanding collaborative research networks. I also plan to contribute to shaping policy on accessibility and protective clothing, build research capacity within my department and ultimately progress to a professorial level where I can influence curriculum innovation, industry partnerships and postgraduate development on a national and international scale.