In Pursuit of Design Vision Through Design Practice

Abstract

This article is about the designer’s journey in design research where the designer has developed a body of work. The development of each project’s design process, method, technique, and practice-led research are addressed. The purpose of this article was to contribute to the design discipline by sharing an example of how a design researcher develops a body of work. This article first describes the designer’s design value and design process which has guided the designer’s creative work and practice. The 10 different creative works are presented in chronological order as the designer’s design development progressed. The designer’s design framework is presented along with the future direction of the designer’s design work.

Editors’ Notes: Advancing Design Scholarship in Textiles and Apparel

“…For a designer, it can be difficult to “see” and write about the value and contributions of one’s design work. Despite Hahn’s (2020) prolific design practice, she noted, “Until I wrote this manuscript, I did not realize I had developed a body of work, let alone an evolving model of research through practice” (p. 15). Such thinking is supported by the Parsons and Morris (2020) finding that ITAA design scholars publish half as much as they exhibit.…”

“…Hahn’s (2020) manuscript, “In Pursuit of Design Vision through Design Practice,” takes us through the evolution of surface designs via strip weaving that embraces digital technologies while maintaining the values of handwoven craft. Hahn’s design goals were framed through the concepts of value and attitude and critically analyzed throughout each design iteration.…”