Abstract
In applied textile design research between institutions and industry members the project groups are mainly interdisciplinary and it is therefore necessary to find agreement on the design vision in order to achieve results successfully and to communicate with the partners from different fields. Our textile design research method (TDRM) addresses this kind of interdisciplinary framework for design research in order to structure the collaboration within our practice-based context. The method consists of four steps, which have been identified as being crucial to the application of product language to textile design research projects: 1) Design Vision; 2) Systematic experiments; 3) Design Alphabet for Textiles; 4) Design Briefing. Within our TDRM the design alphabet has a key function as it materializes the design vision on the first hand and serves as a decision tool for future product developments in the innovation process. This paper presents the design alphabet and its application within three cases: DAFAT, Interior Embroidery and E-broidery. The established method interprets and challenges the traditional knowledge about how textiles are constructed and designed. Therewith it will enrich the present and predict a future product language in order to enable innovative materials and product identities in the textile field.
Keywords
Textile Design; Design Research; Smart Textiles; Digital Printing; Machine Embroidery
Citation
Marin, A., Zumstein, I., Adler, F., Haeberle, J., and Poldner, K. (2014) The Design Alphabet for Textiles as applied Method at the Frontiers of Textile Design Research, in Lim, Y., Niedderer, K., Redström, J., Stolterman, E. and Valtonen, A. (eds.), Design's Big Debates - DRS International Conference 2014, 16-19 June, Umeå, Sweden. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2014/researchpapers/19
The Design Alphabet for Textiles as applied Method at the Frontiers of Textile Design Research
In applied textile design research between institutions and industry members the project groups are mainly interdisciplinary and it is therefore necessary to find agreement on the design vision in order to achieve results successfully and to communicate with the partners from different fields. Our textile design research method (TDRM) addresses this kind of interdisciplinary framework for design research in order to structure the collaboration within our practice-based context. The method consists of four steps, which have been identified as being crucial to the application of product language to textile design research projects: 1) Design Vision; 2) Systematic experiments; 3) Design Alphabet for Textiles; 4) Design Briefing. Within our TDRM the design alphabet has a key function as it materializes the design vision on the first hand and serves as a decision tool for future product developments in the innovation process. This paper presents the design alphabet and its application within three cases: DAFAT, Interior Embroidery and E-broidery. The established method interprets and challenges the traditional knowledge about how textiles are constructed and designed. Therewith it will enrich the present and predict a future product language in order to enable innovative materials and product identities in the textile field.