Abstract
The growing demand for personalization, versatility, and sustainability in contemporary fashion has increased interest in modular systems. This shift calls for innovative design processes that support modularity and user-centered innovation. This paper presents a preliminary study to construct an integrated design process tailored to modular fashion. Drawing on the Double Diamond and Design Thinking frameworks, it proposes a five-phase methodology—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test—supported by creative tools such as AEIOU observation, empathy mapping, and Crazy 8s. By synthesizing established design innovation models, the study formulates a structured and adaptable process framework that addresses the unique complexities of modular garment creation. This conceptual contribution provides a foundational structure for future empirical validation and aims to assist designers in developing transform able, sustainable fashion solutions aligned with the values of younger generations.
Keywords
Sustainable fashion; Modular fashion design; Design Thinking; User-centered innovation
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.499
Citation
Nguyen, T.T.,and Yang, C.(2025) Toward Sustainable Fashion Futures: A Preliminary Study of a User-Centered Framework for Modular Design, in Chang, C.-Y., and Hsu, Y. (eds.), IASDR 2025: Design Next, 02-05 December, Taiwan. https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.499
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Conference Track
Track 5 - Design Thinking
Toward Sustainable Fashion Futures: A Preliminary Study of a User-Centered Framework for Modular Design
The growing demand for personalization, versatility, and sustainability in contemporary fashion has increased interest in modular systems. This shift calls for innovative design processes that support modularity and user-centered innovation. This paper presents a preliminary study to construct an integrated design process tailored to modular fashion. Drawing on the Double Diamond and Design Thinking frameworks, it proposes a five-phase methodology—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test—supported by creative tools such as AEIOU observation, empathy mapping, and Crazy 8s. By synthesizing established design innovation models, the study formulates a structured and adaptable process framework that addresses the unique complexities of modular garment creation. This conceptual contribution provides a foundational structure for future empirical validation and aims to assist designers in developing transform able, sustainable fashion solutions aligned with the values of younger generations.