Sustainable materials

My research topic is sustainable materials, however, I am more interested in how we become sustainable; through recycling and waste management strategies and so I have created the question:

How can the development of recycling strategies help to manage waste and contribute towards a more sustainable textiles industry?

Whilst researching this topic more in depth I came across several textile based companies/ practitoners which promote recycling and waste management through their making processes and designing. 

One of the companies was in fact a charity called TRAIDremade. It allows the opportunity for young design students to remake and redesign second hand garments into fashionable products to be sold for a profit, figure 1& 2 are examples of what they produce with recycled materials. I was inspired by this method of recycling and this charity relates well to my research topic of sustainability. It shows that through recycling our old clothes in a more design orientated way we can create modern fashionable garments which can be sold, and who knows, made into something else again afterwards?

. TraidRemade (N.D.). Quilted Jacket AW1. [Photograph]. Retrieve from: http://www.traid.org.uk/news/traidremade-aw13-launches/

TraidRemade (N.D.). Free size recycled jumper in mixed fibres. Features eye design and beading hand-embroidered by fairly paid embroidery artisans in India. [Photograph]. Retrieve from: http://www.traid.org.uk/news/traidremade-aw13-launches/

This project really inspired me to start thinking about my own practise, and how I approach weaving as a designer. In future projects I hope to start implementing a pre ordained possibility for any garments I design, or how they can be modified to make the most out of them once they begin to wear out.

Research Methods

 We were asked to create a glossary of research methods, below is the methods I have chosen to look at:

Observation/ Shadowing analysis-
This method involves the observer to shadow real life situations, which helps to uncover the ways in which we live, our daily activities etc. It allows for the gathering of information on what people say they do, as opposed to what they actually do. The shadowing aspect of the method is the point in which design possibilities and ideas can be looked into and identified. 

Cultural probes/ User diaries-
Also known as design probes, these can come in the form of a kit which contains diaries, questions, disposable cameras, postcards, drawing equipment and other methods of documentation. Design probes are used to acquire information more generally, for example, these could be placed within an environment such as the studio at university to discover information on the users within that space. Design probes can be developed specifically for one person or for a group of people.

Role playing tools- 
This method is used to study interpersonal behaviour, through the use of role play. Researchers will assign roles to each participant, which he/she will have to act as if they are that job role/ person etc. This is a commonly used research method as it allows for information to be gained on a participant communication skills.

Archival Research-
Archival research is the research method where a practitioner uses an existing archive or exhibition in which to inform the basis of their research. Original sources such as the UK census, can be consult to be analysed and reflected on from a new and modern perspective, and also to be used as a comparison with modern activity.
As a research method the designer might use this as the start point of their research or to base their research upon as a whole, viewing the situation from a modern outlook. An example of a practitioner using an archive is on my blog post "Archives.....".

Questionnaires-
This is a Quantitative research method which consists of a set of carefully thought out questions to be distributed to the same group of people in order to gather information in regards to a specific topic, subject or theme which the researcher is interested in.  This research method is useful because the information gathered can then be turned into statistics if the questions on the questionnaires has multiple choice answers. 

Statistical Analysis-
Statistical analysis is a form of quantitative research, Statistics are a useful research method as they allow the researcher to consolidate data and then compare various sets of data against each other through graphs, charts etc.  Within statistical analysis a variety of methods can be used in order to process large amounts of data, and report on the researchers findings. It provides ways to objectively provide feedback on large amounts of data and also allows the opportunity to compare against previous researchers data etc. 


Divergent Thinking-
This research method is the way in which a practitioner might approach a concept. Using on idea/ concept as a starting point, a practitioner who us divergent thinking allows their thought process to wander off in many directions, collecting thoughts and ideas that relate to their concept. this method is almost like creative brainstorming and is used quite commonly within the field of Art and design and also textiles. This way of researching allows the researcher time to elaborate on ideas and come up with a variety of possible solutions or outcomes for the concept.

Interviews-
One to one or group question and answer session in which specific topics are answered in a methodical opinionated or statement like process. 

         There are a variety of interview techniques, however I will only look at two; structured and unstructured. 

         Structured Interview - This technique involves the interviewer providing a set of questions, and a schedule, and the aim is that each interviewee is to be given the exact same set of questions. This type of interviewing process is used so that all the interviewees responses can be collected, and the responses can only be reliable if all interviewees are responding to identical questions. 

         Unstructured - Interviewer has a list of topics or issues to be covered with an informal questioning style. The phrasing and sequence of questions will differ with each interview they conduct. 

         An example of an interview process is the Office of National Statistics (ONS) which began collecting data on people’s well-being within the UK using the Annual Population Survey (ANS). 
           
         Focus group

         This is a type of interview to be used as qualitative research in which there are several people, including the moderator, and the suggested topic for discussion is tightly set in order to provoke interaction within the group. Although this is similar to an interview, I believe that within a focus group more interesting arguments are created, especially if the group varies in its participants, however you do have the issue of one person over shadowing other members of the group, so a diverse and interactive group is necessary for a positive results.
         

E-Portfolio

In one of my other modules I was asked to create an on-line portfolio of my work to date, so that a link could then be put on my CV and provide access to my work for potential employers. We used a website builder called 'wix' to create our website and below I have added images of my own:

Joshua Ellis

A sponsored brief creating designs for a new suiting fabric using only a 2/2 Twill structure and Shetland yarns. In this project I have developed colour ways within fabric which has broadened her knowledge of how to manipulate a weave when the structure is set. For this brief she created two separate warps, set up on different drafts to manipulate the set 2/2 Twill structure, and allow me to develop a more varied collection of woven samples. The fabrics were to be based on trends within the upcoming Autumn/ Winter season 2015. My inspiration came from the trend Sci-Spiritual, which depicts space imagery, mechanical futures, cosmic bursts of light and hints of bold flashes of colour, in purples and pinks. Below are images of my some oft he samples I created throughout this project.

Analysing Research Methods

 If I was to actually conduct primary research into the topic of Sustainable materials I would need to find out more about  the research methods that are available for me to use. Methods I feel would be appropriate for my research topic are; Interviews, Focus groups, Statistics and Questionnaires.

Interviews

"in·ter·view 

n.

1. A formal meeting in person, especially one arranged for the assessment of the qualifications of an applicant.

2.

a. A conversation, such as one conducted by a reporter, in which facts or statements are elicited from another.

 -Farlex (2013) The free dictionary. Retrieved from: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/archive

         My definition- One to one or group question and answer session in which specific topics are answered in a methodical opinionated or statement like process. 

         There are two types of interview techniques I will look at; structured and un-structured. 

         Structured Interview - This technique involves the interviewer providing a set of questions, and a schedule, and the aim is that each interviewee is to be given the exact same set of questions. This type of interviewing process is used so that all the interviewees responses can be collected, and the responses can only be reliable if all interviewees are responding to identical questions. 

         Unstructured - Interviewer has a list of topics or issues to be covered with an informal questioning style. The phrasing and sequence of questions will differ with each interview they conduct. 

            An example of an interview process is the Office of National Statistics (ONS) which began collecting data on people’s well-being within the UK using the Annual Population Survey (ANS).

focus group

n.

A small group selected from a wider population and sampled, as by open discussion, for its members' opinions about or emotional response to a particular subject or area, used especially in market research or political analysis. 

Farlex (2013) The free dictionary. Retrieved from: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/archive

         This is a type of interview to be used as qualitative research in which there are several people, including the moderator, and the suggested topic for discussion is tightly set in order to provoke interaction within the group. Although this is similar to an interview, I believe that within a focus group more interesting arguments are created, especially if the group varies in its participants, however you do have the issue of one person over shadowing other members of the group, so a diverse and interactive group is necessary for a positive results.

ques·tion·naire  (kwsch-nâr)

n.

A form containing a set of questions, especially one addressed to a statistically significant number of subjects as a way of gathering information for a survey. 

            Questionnaires as a research method and a type of quantitative research would be a good method to follow on from focus groups, as I could distribute them to people of different ages, in various job roles within textiles and ask them to honestly fill in the questionnaire which would only have multiple choice answers, I could then use the answer to create statistics. An example of a questionnaire we all take part in every ten years is the UK Census.

sta·tis·tics  (st-tstks)

n.

1. (used with a sing. verb) The mathematics of the collection, organization, and interpretation of numerical data, especially the analysis of population characteristics by inference from sampling.

2. (used with a pl. verb) Numerical data.

     

            Statistics are also another good research method as they allow you consolidate data and then compare various sets of data against each other through graphs, charts etc. The problem with statistics is that if the sampling is wrong, then issues can fall within the statistical analysis and processing, which could then provide inaccurate results. Statistics are a type of Quantitative research and an example of a large database which can be accessed by anyone is 'Big Data' which is a company which gathers and collates data on everyday life. Mintel is another large database of statistics on consumer attitudes and trends. This could be beneficial to me in finding out what the consumer opinion is around my topic.

            I think that these four methods of researching would provide me with an variety of reliable data to analyse in order to reach the outcome of my topic. 

The Pack Horse Project

In this project I aimed to develop a unique creative link between the rich textiles history and heritage of Huddersfield whilst also drawing on the architectural surroundings and residency of the space provided to us (The packhorse shopping centre), which collaboratively has informed and inspired my ideas and final outcome.

 

I have created a woven installation which draws inspiration from the architectural brick work within the space. I have used only traditional hand weaving techniques such as Peg loom and Table loom weaving to translate my ideas so as to develop a more literal connection with the textiles history of Huddersfield.

The installation I have created is a visual and audio piece, which allows the viewer to experience and interpret the work however they wish too, without the need for direction or extensive description.

 

A future proposal for this project is the idea of a very large scale, interactive work in which the woven piece would be entered into by the viewer. The experience would become a very physical experience of the work, with the viewer actually climbing into the work and developing a more literal connection with the work.