Whenever we discuss sustainable fashion, the assumption and creations are limited to material and technique innovations to create apparel. Although they are effective and needed, they miss a crucial component, the user's relationship with the garment. If that isn't strong, no amount of sustainable fashion is enough.
This project delves into the realm of participatory design and its potential to build meaningful relationships with garments, specifically focusing on fostering sustainability through active user involvement.
Investigating the application of participatory design principles throughout the entire life cycle of garments where users are the key stakeholders, different solutions with research, market studies, brainstorming, experimentation, prototyping, and testing with user involvement have been explored.
The final outcomes are explored in three stages: awareness, co-creation, and engagement with existing garments.
Awareness is the base of knowledge that equips users to buy, take care of, and know better about the apparel they interact with. Awareness for Kids and awareness for adults have been explored using phygital and digital media.
For the co-creation, through digital prototyping tools, how online sewing communities can co-create garments during COVID-19 is explored and tested.
Another solution involving users as integral to continuous co-creation is also explored. A solution around engagement with the existing garments is experimented with as well.
