This blog is part of the Social Space research cell of the Media & Design Academy (KHLIM).
The Social Textiles Blog focusses on two things: the social aspects of media & customisation/personalisation (of clothing). On the one hand we thus try to debunk the popular notions on the so called web2.0-paradigm. Our focus lies on the design as well as the conceptualisation of social media environments. The second subject of this blog is linked to one of our research projects (Open Garments) which deals with an online environment where everyone can “design” their own clothing.
Research Projects
The Open Garments project is a major research project on customisation of textiles via social media environments.
The Open Garments project consists of two levels. The first one is called Open Innovation. From a user perspective, this means the user can take up the role of a designer, producer and sales person. The Open Innovation concept gives way for talented, but non -yet- professional fashion designers to individually and collectively design clothing. The collaboration with others would not only work inspirational (share, comment on, alter,… designs), but also empowers the individual to join virtual fashion collectives.
The second level of user empowerment refers to the concept of Open Manufacturing in which the user acts as the physical producer for sewing or finishing the garments.
This research project is funded by the European Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). Project Site www.open-garments.eu
Living Spaces is a European (EFRO) research project working towards a hybrid system that integrates multi-touch, web, and RFID technologies with creative and cross-disciplinary participatory processes. The project is based on the workshop method Open Space Technology (OST), a self organising process where equal participants create and manage their own agenda through parallel working sessions. Our objective is to research and develop new technologically enhanced solutions that will add to the OST method.
We are working towards a multi-touch table with an open and participatory interface to be used as a tool for constructing face-to-face workshops, as well as a tool in exhibitions to give visitors insight into the artistic process.
Spacecowboys
Our feeling of space and place changes and refreshes constantly through the interaction and communication possibilities of new media. Locations and environments may be altered from public to a private and from concrete to virtual through mobile technologies. These hybrid spaces create emotional and aesthetic possibilities for artists to experiment with. How do artists work with hybrid space and how do they make us aware of the social and cultural implications?
Links
Interface our Space - blog of the Living Spaces research project (EFRO)