From stitch to society: a multi-level and participatory approach to design research

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Twigger Holroyd, A. ORCID: 0000-0003-3403-3516, 2017. From stitch to society: a multi-level and participatory approach to design research. Design Issues, 33 (3), pp. 11-24. ISSN 0747-9360

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Official URL: http://doi.org/10.1162/DESI_a_00448

Abstract

The aims of this paper are twofold: to describe a doctoral research project that investigated the theme of openness in fashion, and to discuss a distinctive, practice-based approach to design research that emerged through this process. This approach uses the generative processes of designing and making, in collaboration with participants, to investigate research questions at multiple levels: from micro-scale practical challenges to much broader social issues. The project in question explored the potential for opening and altering existing knitted fabrics while simultaneously investigating the role of homemade clothes in challenging the conventional fashion system; it also considered opportunities for amateur knitters to engage in creative design. A series of workshop activities supported the exploration of these areas of interest, with insights relating to each one emerging throughout the process. In this article I have revisited and extended my original contribution to the Research Through Design 2015 conference that discussed this research, adding commentary to frame the project more explicitly in terms of the multi-level approach. I will first describe the research context and activity in detail, before stepping outside this particular example to discuss the potential of this novel approach to design research.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

Design Issues

Creators:

Twigger Holroyd, A.

Publisher:

MIT Press

Date:

July 2017

Volume:

Number: