Seventeenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

This work proposes a new model for e-textile clothing design for designers, engineers, and programmers. Through the application of the Double Diamond and the User-Centered Design models in the design of smart clothing for cycling and fencing, it was possible to develop a new model that combines both processes. This model emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of the theme, leads to dialogue between disciplines, helps to solve problems, and at the same time, maps the different stages of research and development. The new model diverges in three aspects (design, technology, and feedback) and after this stage it converges in the design of a product. Whenever necessary, the process allows going back one or more steps, to reposition the design process so that the solution is successful. The research topic is drawn from distant areas such as clothing design, electronic textile technologies, and visual feedback. It allows referencing the knowledge generated in the different stages of the design process, from theoretical studies to the creation of practical studies, including collaboration with different professionals throughout the process. The model results in an interaction that involves six steps: 1) Discover problems; 2) Define opportunities in discoveries; 3) Specify design, technology and feedback requirements with the user; 4) Develop an idea for a complete design; 5) Evaluate the design proposal, technology and feedback with the user; finally, 6) Implement the solution with the user.

Presenters

Bernardo Providência
Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, Art and Design of the University of Minho, Professor, Design, Escola de Arquitetura, Aveiro, Portugal

Helder Carvalho
Assistant Professor, Dep. Textile Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal

Daniel Vieira
Researcher / Professor, Centre for Textile Science and Technology / Landscapes, Heritage and Territory Laboratory, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal