What Else Do We Know? Exploring Alternative Applications of Design Knowledge and Skills in the Development of Circular Textiles

Abstract There has been an awakening in recent years in the field of design research to the idea that designers can take on a number of roles other than the traditional narrow focus on products. This paper draws on existing research to explore new ways of applying design knowledge in the circular economy, and in particular in relation to the development of materials. Observations from the current EU H2020 T2C project build on this current understanding within a consortium project case study. T2C involves textile designers as well as industrial designers, manufacturers and scientists working together to develop a new fibre made from textile waste. Three new roles for designers are presented and further developed: (1) bringing new design-driven insights - hands-on materials knowledge and introducing the social context; (2) translation, interpretation and boundary spanning to bridge disciplinary barriers; and (3) introducing design tools and methods to support interdisciplinary collaboration. This research concludes that there are various ways that designers can apply their knowledge and skills to support circular materials systems other than designing products, but designers need to be better equipped to identify and practice these roles, and the nuances of different design approaches needs to be acknowledged and better understood when building multi-faceted design teams incorporating unconventional design roles.