Research Participation for Textile Designers and Fibre Artists

Are you interested in textile design or consider yourself a fibre artist?

Participants are needed for a research project at the University of Alberta that investigates the use of inspirational sources by seasoned designers and the design process while creating a textile pattern. The primary aim of this project is to shed some light on the design process in order to better understand the use of inspirational sources and the importance of them during that process.

This research involves two parts: interviews and observation of you while you design. The duration of observation will be negotiated in advance, but will involve one or more instances of you creating a textile pattern. Both the interview and observation will be completed with as little disruption to your work as possible. The research investigators all have backgrounds in design education and practice, therefore are fully aware of time constraints. Precision and accuracy in data collection is important to us therefore video/audio equipment will be used along with occasional photo documentation and note taking.

The projected time you would be asked to commit to is approximately ½ hour for an interview and 4 to 5 hours for the design process. The study will be carried out in a design studio at the University of Alberta or in a location that suits your needs. Participants can work alone or in groups.

If you are interested in participating in this exciting project or would like more information, please contact me by October 15, 2012: lesleys@ualberta.ca

Lesley Stafiniak (MA candidate)
Clothing & Textiles
Department of Human Ecology
University of Alberta