Textile Design (TXD)

This course is crafted to guide students through the development of their creative workflow and design process by investigating methods of visual, verbal, and written communication. It focuses on design research as an essential beginning for textile design studio work. Students in all concentrations will work on intensive projects that require them to consider their time management and expand their knowledge of studio resources.

This course will be delivered through lecture/studio sessions and will ensure that the student gains increasing knowledge of the technical and aesthetic structural aspects of knit, print or woven design. Projects will be devised to integrate knowledge and practice gained through design and technical courses, with the development of individual creative work in the chosen concentration (knit, print or weave).

This course will be delivered through lecture/studio sessions and will ensure that the student gains increasing knowledge of fibers, yarns, textile formation methods and/or finishing processes of knit, print or woven textiles. Projects will be devised to integrate the knowledge and practice gained through design and technical courses, with the development of individual creative design work in the chosen concentration (knit, print or weave).

Weekly seminars will be arranged during the first semester, to which visiting speakers will be invited to give presentations on topics covering the national and international perspectives of marketing, technology and design in textile and related activities. Student participation will be expected during these seminars.

The aim of this course is to create an awareness of the factors involved in the process of innovation and design, and the importance of establishing a policy and strategy, which will ensure that the design process is effectively promoted and managed to assist in the achievement of organizational goals. At the end of the course, students will be able to: (a) relate the process of design to corporate and product strategy; (b) describe the nature of the tasks undertaken by industrial innovators and designers; (c) prepare a brief for a design project; (d) monitor and evaluate the progress of a design project. They will also become aware of (a) the contribution made to the design process by systematic techniques such as value analysis and by specialist support staff; (b) the factors affecting creativity and innovation; (c) the link between product and manufacturing system design; (d) the legal protections offered to designers.

Studio work involving advancing technical/creative projects in the chosen design concentration with the opportunity for interdisciplinary, collaborative work will be carried out throughout the semester. Project briefs are attenuated towards global concepts such as sustainability and end-use but are more open-ended to encourage an increasingly independent, individual design response.

Studio work involving advancing technical/creative projects in the chosen design concentration with an emphasis on fiber selection will be carried out throughout the semester. Student design work at this point should progress from specifically directed project briefs to increasingly independent design responses.

Studio work involving advanced-level technical/creative projects in the chosen design concentration exploring the impact textiles have in societal applications will be carried out throughout the semester. Student design work at this point should progress from specifically directed project briefs to increasingly independent, design responses.

The variations, functions, auxiliary devices and design characteristics of dobby and Jacquard looms and the equipment used to support the weaving process will be studied. Calculations relating to production and materials will be considered, along with the accurate analysis of fabrics for weight and cover. Consideration will be given to size, texture, fiber type, weave and other fabric parameters. Advanced multilayered weaves will also be studied.

A further investigation into the construction, design and production of both weft- and warp-knitted fabrics. Lectures will be complemented with lab work involving the design, production and analysis of knit fabric upon power-knitting equipment.

The design and production of Jacquard fabrics will be studied. Students analyze designs and produce complex fabrics on commercial equipment using computerized design and production systems.

In this studio, extensive exploration and experimentation is undertaken by students focused on an area of specialization within their design concentration. This work will include conceptual design, ideation, market research, technical specifications, samples, curated collections, and end use visualization.

(a) Project The major project worked on independently by students during this final semester will be chosen to show the student?s range of creative and technical ability. It will be concerned with a specialized area within their design concentration. Each project will be required to encompass: (1) design ideas and extensive sketchbook development; (2) market research and technical notebooks; (3) print Croquis and/or fabrics in sample form, production fabrics, computer-aided designs and final product rendered designs. (b) Final Exhibit The student will be expected to mount a personal design exhibit showing the range of his/her abilities in either knit, weave or print design. The work will be professionally presented and displayed for judging by a panel of design faculty. An important outcome of this exhibit will be the opportunity for key industrial people to visit, and for possible career opportunities to result. A secondary outcome will be its inspirational impact on undergraduate design students within the University.

a)Thesis Project/Collection The major project worked on independently by students during this final semester will be chosen to show the student’s range of creative and technical ability. It will be concerned with a specialized area within their design concentration. Each project will be required to encompass: (1) design ideas and extensive sketchbook development; (2) market research and technical specifications; (3) print Croquis and/or fabrics in sample form; (4) final curated collection/body of work (b) Final Exhibition The student will mount a personal design exhibit showing the range of his/her abilities in either knit, weave or print design. The work will be professionally presented virtually and displayed for judging by a panel of design faculty. An important outcome of this exhibit will be the opportunity for key industry members to view the work and for possible career opportunities to result. A secondary outcome will be its inspirational impact on undergraduate design students within the University.

A specialized and practical course in the principles, techniques and chemical processes involved in the printing of textiles. The chemistry and use of different dye classes and pigment systems; application printing; discharge, burnout and other styles; and the influence of thickeners, cloth preparation and fixation processes on quality and colorfastness are examined.

This course focuses on both the conceptual and technical aspects of digital portfolio presentation for the textile designer. Students will use interactive media to create both a CD-ROM portfolio and a personal website. Course projects provide an in-depth exploration of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and multimedia design software. Students must have a clear understanding of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator before enrolling in this course.

This course is designed to further develop the design student?s drawing abilities and creative thought process, while encouraging conceptual development and a deeper understanding of contemporary issues in art and design. This course will provide an in-depth exploration of line, color and materials using a variety of drawing tools while introducing a more conceptual approach to drawing. Students will participate in off-campus trips to galleries and museums.

Students may select an independent project or research topic with the approval of the dean of the School of Engineering & Textiles.