Creating a Design Process and Constructivist Curriculum for the Effective Integration of Fashion and Industrial Design

Abstract

With increasing nano and micro technologies, the way we interact and communicate with each other and our environment in the future will continue to evolve, becoming more personal and suited to the human body through clothing. These new waves of wearable technologies promise to change our way of life forever. Although there has been much interest into the two diverging worlds of industrially designed products and fashion-designed apparel, designers who have tried to merge the two worlds have done so with little success, creating clunky sci-fi (space age) aesthetics that remain unmarketable. The purpose of this thesis and subsequent research will be to create a guideline set and curriculum for the effective integration of Fashion and Industrial Design in a manner that is functional, meets the objectives of both designers and is not only applicable but marketable to mass consumers. Of the greatest problems that affect the way designers go about creating is the occurrence of Selective Attention Theory and learned knowledge, which states that individuals selectively choose stimuli within an environment to address (Shapiro, 2001). This particular stimuli selection is influenced by a multitude of factors. For designers, these aspects of Selective Attention directly influence and affect problem solving methodology, the design process, ideation, and ultimately the overall aesthetic that varies depending of what each genre equates with successful design. Research, analytical and statistical studies of Industrial and Fashion Design methodology, dogma, selective attention/information processing, curricula, and design processes will pinpoint the exact differences and dynamics that hinder the successful interface between Industrial and Fashion Design. By manipulating Selective Attention through a curriculum and learned knowledge base set and determining what factors must be incorporated to meet the needs and objectives of each design field, the study will establish a common ground and list of essential procedures, processes, and goals for a final merger that is effective from an educational, designer, manufacturer, and consumer standpoint.