In exploring design as a tool to facilitate the construction of cultural values through communication – investigated both with and without the use of technologies – this research has resulted in four different design prototypes:
Informed by discovering the way representational designs on cloth frequently trigger conversations about the featured content, the first two prototypes explore how design could draw on the communicative strength of representational pattern without imposing a fixed content. Building on the social importance of print fabrics and their capacity to actively shape collective identities, the third and forth prototypes explore human-material interaction as a content for discussion.
All four designs are digitally printed onto a 200x120cm cotton cloth and make up a composite pattern that places the research within the context of African print fabrics: the size is equivalent to a traditional sized Capulana and the ornamental border is typical of factory printed cloth in Mozambique. The background pattern mimics the crackling effect achieved from a wax resist dye process and the four shirt pattern comments on the fact that print fabrics are commonly worn and contribute to the expression of the wearers identity (see image below).
The design explorations are measured and evaluated against the following questions:
To what extent does the design invite communication and/or meaningful interaction?
To what extent is the design open to multiple levels of interpretation?
How accessible is it and to whom?
How could it be realised?
What are its limitations?
The prototype is in the process of undergoing further testing. It will be featured in an exhibition at Brighton University, England, in September 2016 and may be presented for discussion amongst different user groups. These may include African diaspora communities in Brighton and Hove. Opportunities to return the fabric to Mozambique and seek feedback from the N’komati River community will be investigated.
Design output
In exploring design as a tool to facilitate the construction of cultural values through communication – investigated both with and without the use of technologies – this research has resulted in four different design prototypes:
1. OBJECTS OF CONVERSATION
2. LAYERS OF NARRATIVE
3. HUMAN-MATERIAL INTERACTIONS
4. FROM SOCIAL FABRIC TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Informed by discovering the way representational designs on cloth frequently trigger conversations about the featured content, the first two prototypes explore how design could draw on the communicative strength of representational pattern without imposing a fixed content. Building on the social importance of print fabrics and their capacity to actively shape collective identities, the third and forth prototypes explore human-material interaction as a content for discussion.
All four designs are digitally printed onto a 200x120cm cotton cloth and make up a composite pattern that places the research within the context of African print fabrics: the size is equivalent to a traditional sized Capulana and the ornamental border is typical of factory printed cloth in Mozambique. The background pattern mimics the crackling effect achieved from a wax resist dye process and the four shirt pattern comments on the fact that print fabrics are commonly worn and contribute to the expression of the wearers identity (see image below).
The design explorations are measured and evaluated against the following questions:
To what extent does the design invite communication and/or meaningful interaction?
To what extent is the design open to multiple levels of interpretation?
How accessible is it and to whom?
How could it be realised?
What are its limitations?
The prototype is in the process of undergoing further testing. It will be featured in an exhibition at Brighton University, England, in September 2016 and may be presented for discussion amongst different user groups. These may include African diaspora communities in Brighton and Hove. Opportunities to return the fabric to Mozambique and seek feedback from the N’komati River community will be investigated.
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