Inclusive, Accessible, Sustainable – Designing A Different Future
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Authors
Harmsen, Emily L.
Date
Type
Language
eng
Keyword
Inclusive Design , Accessible Design , Slow Fashion , Slow Design , Sustainable Design , Adaptive Design , Design Process , Design Method , Accessible Fashion , Responsible Design , Inclusivity , Accessibility , Sustainability , Eco-friendly , Design Practice , Fashion Design
Alternative Title
Abstract
Merging concepts of accessible, sustainable, and inclusive design practices with respect to the fashion industry, this thesis examines ways of doing design that encapsulates many design methodologies into one. I argue that the overall aim of this thesis is to prove that there are ways that designers can be mindful of accessibility, inclusion, and the environment from conception to production to consumption as a whole, while honoring their aesthetic viewpoints. Through a literature review, case study, practice-based reflection, and methodology, a look into what the future of design might look like is explored. The literature review examines perspectives from the design gap illustrated in the introduction, which discusses why there is not more crossover among the following categories in meaningful ways: accessibility and inclusion, contemporary aesthetics, environmental responsibility. The case study provides insights from within the design world, presenting the results from four surveys and three interviews with practicing Canadian designers/design businesses. The practice-based reflection portrays the experiences of the author as this thesis work was progressing and as they assembled their own practice into a tangible design studio, serving clients and conceptualizing inherently adaptive products. The final section showcases the iterative and qualitative design methodology that has been developed from the combination of conducted research. This thesis is intended as an offering of curated research findings and lived experience perspectives, that can be built on for further analysis, critique, and development.