Spatial definers in surface pattern design – introducing alternative design variables as tools in the textile design process

Within the field of textile design, the understanding of surface patterns is fundamental knowledge and a somewhat specific professional skill. The purpose here is to report on experiments explicitly introducing abstract spatial definers, such as “above”, “behind” etc., in the textile design process as basic surface pattern variables.

This idea was tested out in student workshops on four (five) different European art and design universities during a period of three months. The primary focus of the workshops was to test surface patterns as spatial definers, by introducing a design variable that answers the question “what is the pattern doing as a space definer?”.

The results of the workshops demonstrated a potential of using conceptual spatial determinations as design variables, as the design solutions were clearly influenced by the introduction of these variables. In addition to adding to the knowledge of the field, the results can be used by designers who seek alternative working methods, or as material for reflection and inspiration when teaching surface pattern design in design education programmes.

Using workshops in teaching is a means of gaining valuable insights and learning in creative practice. Transforming this knowledge into teaching methods and pedagogical tools would allow methods and ideas to be re-thought, and unconventional ways of surface pattern design thinking to be explored. This paper contributes to the development of design methods and provides an alternative perspective on surface pattern design. It also highlights a small area that is rarely in focus in textile design research.