Why we need design methods

This video offers an introduction to design methods, why they are useful, and how you can use them. You will hear from Gabrielle Miller, who is an associate at Centre for Sustainable Fashion’s education team, and a designer, researcher and lecturer working in the field of sustainable design across academia and the fashion industry.

Having worked in luxury fashion as a print and embroidery designer for high-end companies such as Alexander McQueen, Givenchy and Burberry, she has significant insights into how to approach fashion design for sustainability.

Impacts of our design decisions

“Eighty per cent of the environmental impact of the products and buildings that surround us is determined at the design stage. The ways we have designed the world force most people to waste stupendous quantities of matter and energy in their daily lives.” This is a quote by John Thackara in 2007, who is a writer, speaker, design producer, and a key leader and role model in sustainable design. Investigating, testing and prototyping helps us be considerate at the design stage by understanding the consequences of what we create.

We will be putting these methods into practice, and give you the opportunity to undertake a design challenge. Using this process allows you to open yourself up and be imaginative. It gives you a framework to explore endless creative possibilities for your work going forward.