VIRTUAL Prague Research & Teaching Conference

Abstract

View film

This contribution reflects on a practice-based design experience conducted during a visiting research period at the University of Borås. The project explored a circular design solution for textile waste from the garment cutting stage, using an artistic and hands-on approach to investigate the intersections between analogue and digital fashion design processes. This experience became an epiphany, revealing the profound differences in knowledge acquisition through manual practice versus digital methodologies in garment construction. A practice-based approach enables designers to develop knowledge through tactile engagement. Hands-on work allows for an understanding of aspects often overlooked or differently interpreted in digital design: the fabric’s physical properties, weight, and thickness; the relationship between fabric and body; the spatial dynamics within and around the garment; and the time required to assimilate these elements and define a design solution. This research highlights the significance of manual practice in developing knowledge unattainable through digital means alone. It aligns with the concept of “thinking hands” or “narrating hands,” emphasizing how tactile engagement fosters embodied cognition. In various disciplines, such as medicine, hands are essential tools for recognizing anomalies. Similarly, in fashion design, knowledge emerges through material engagement. By integrating analogue and digital approaches, this study underscores the importance of preserving manual skills in fashion education. It proposes an innovative learning method that bridges craft-based knowledge with technological advancements, fostering a holistic understanding of garment construction and sustainability.