OUTLINE:
Mission Statement:
To create a new application of smart textiles for home use in order to revitalize the textile industry in the American South.
Hypothesis:
1. That smart textiles have a place in the home.
2. That smart textiles are the future of the American textile industry.
3. That factory workers have the ability/knowledge of textiles that may be applied to the creation of a good.
4. That consumers would be open to the use of textiles in replacement of other materials in the home.
5. That the American South is in need of revitalization and that the the communities are willing and ready to adapt to change.
Research Methods:
Books: I have previously been researching about the loss of manufacturing in America which has lead me to textiles. I have now focused this type research on textiles (past, present, future) to verse myself in the basics to begin to see areas that I might fit in, and to ready myself to speak with experts.
Interviews: I am working on finding textile designers to interview - to gain knowledge of which applications of textile are beneficial in the United States. I am also asking the question "what have you always wanted to make out of textiles but have not because the technology was not there?" I have begun to try to find fiber engineers to speak with to understand material possibilities. This week I discovered it is a bit too soon to talk to this type of person - before I have some more solidified and specific idea of what material/application I am gearing towards. But trial and error this week was at least helpful in discovering that. I am trying to find people to talk to who are working towards the revitalization of these areas. This week I spoke with Camilla Warren of the EPA. I am struggling with finding factory workers to talk to, that seems to be one big missing piece of information.
Surveys: I have done consumer surveys to test knowledge of product origin, as well as reaction to material. Though this has turned out to not be the focus of my project, the information I have gathered will eventually creep its way in. I will continue to test consumer knowledge and reaction throughout the development of my project.
Observation: Looking at fiber content of existing textiles in home use to see where they falter, and where I can make an improvement be it environmental or economic or functional.
Analysis:
My initial research on the loss of manufacturing led me to textiles, specifically in the South as an area of high impact. As I dove deeper into textiles I found a general consensus that the future of textiles in America was in innovation and technology (which is what America is good at, at its core). I then decided to focus on this and to treat my intervention as either a new, replacement industry for a manufacturing community or as a transition industry as workers are involved in programs to shift them from textile to another industry. In speaking with Camilla Warren at the EPA I found that this is a completely valid idea, and that many people are already doing this - using the mills as places for industry while the community is working towards a greater goal of re-development. I have yet to see how my scientific research/factory worker input will shape my argument, but I am confident, based on the reactions from people so far that it will move it in the correct direction.
External Relationships:
Stakeholders: factory workers, community members, factories in other countries which are being exported to (potential loss of investment and increase of competition)
Experts: Institute of Textile Technology, National Textile Center, Employment Security Commission, Textile Designers, Factory workers
Who I have Spoken to:
Designers: Sandy Chilewich, Libby Kowalski (I have an appointment with her on Monday afternoon)
Scientists: Krishna Parachuru (School of Polymer, Textile & Fiber Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology), Suzanne Holmes at AATCC (willing to help me find experts when I know specifically what I am looking for)
Other: Camilla Warren at the EPA (to see what other groups are doing in these communites), David Clegg at the Employment Security Commission (passed my information to colleagues), Wade Taylor at Rockingham, NC county (gave me contact at the Employment Security Commission
Design Opportunity
I see a lack of innovation in regards to home textiles - aside of aesthetics. I am particularly interested in housewares/furniture and see this as a great opportunity for me to blend my skills while helping to reinstall faith in American manufacturing.
Design Criteria:
It must be desirable to the consumer first as an object, then as a history/story of manufacturing. It should link itself to its origins.
It must be made in the United States in the specified region.
It should benefit the community which it is made in economically.
It should be easy to manufacture by people who have worked in a textile mill.
Conceptual Development
So far I have thought of ways that the use of textiles in the home could dematerialize the our household objects. With the new structural/anti-bacterial possibilities of textiles I see potential for it to be used as a mono-material in a variety of applications. I think that textiles are such a huge part of home decorating that there is a definite place for new applications as utilitarian objects, rather than just protective layers.
Feedback
So far the feedback i have gotten from experts/external people I am talking to that my project has definite potential and is an issue that must be addressed. This has inspired me to keep moving forward while keeping in mind my core issues and people who may be impacted by my designs.
From the faculty I have been instructed to continuously narrow down my topic to a specific goal which has helped me a long greatly. By being forced to make decisions I can better assess my progress and goals and change/adjust them accordingly to accomplish my personal goals and fulfill the needs of my specified group. I have also been instructed to dive deep into textile research - as it is a huge field I think an understanding of the terminology and potential are huge factors in my design. This will continue to influence my project as I continue research.
Next Steps
Continue to specify which types of textiles I am interested in. In order to identify the scientists/field experts I need to speak with.
Gain access to factory workers to gain an understanding of their needs and skills (this is something I am struggling with! Any advice on how to get to this group would be much appreciated! I have come close multiple times, but people are not responding to my requests).
Continue to talk to industry professionals and researching on my own to familiarize myself with the industry, my competition, and reasoning behind the issue of exportation of manufacturing at the source.
RESEARCH: This week I focused on doing research in the market of home textiles. I looked at application and where they are currently employing technology and innovation. I also did general research on textiles and manufacturing in order to familiarize myself with the language of the industry. As I did my research I did sample weaving.
IN CLASS OBJECT/SKETCHING:
TODAY I SPOKE TO: Patty, Jennifer, Mary, Steven, PJ
FEEDBACK AND NEXT STEPS:
1. Fix board: Make fabric sample analysis more clear. Call out opportunities on 30x30.
2.Get samples of smart textiles - analyze their attributes to identify what you want to do and what you want to avoid.
3. Speak with people from the textile industry to see where they think there is opportunity.
4. Define your impact - is it a small-town level? What is your intended outcome, how much can you change in a community?
5. Reach out to factory communities. Begin to focus/identify one community to develop a close relationship with.
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