REDOing Fashion: The Open Design Object
Kristine Harper, Sofie Edvard *Corresponding author e-mail: kristine_harper@yahoo.dk a Associate Professor, Copenhagen School of Design and Technology b Associate Professor, Copenhagen School of Design and Technology
Abstract: In this research paper an investigation of the open design object raises questions on how to REDO design practices in order to change consumer behaviour and prolong the lifespan of design objects. The focal point is garments, but the theory on the open design object that will be unfolded can be applied to other product categories as well. The theory of the open design object outlines methods to slow down the aesthetic user-experience and charge the design object with durable value based on openness and inclusiveness. Designing an open design object implies focusing on the user phase by considering how interaction, use and wear might become a part of completing an object, or how to add inherent development options to garments. The theory of the open design object is accompanied by a garment collection named An Archive of Usage, which exemplifies ways to work openness into design objects.
Keywords: Sustainability, Aesthetics, Durability, Postproduction, and Changeability
1. Introduction In this research paper an investigation of the open design object is initiated by raising questions on how to REDO design practices in order to change consumer behaviour and prolong the lifespan and durability of design objects. The focal point in this paper is garments, but the theory and the philosophical fundament on the open design object that will be unfolded can be applied to other product categories as well. The reason, however, for emphasising garments is to meet the current need in the fashion industry to rethink the way garments are designed, manufactured, and worn in order to minimise over-production and unnecessary harm of the environment. The theory of the open design object outlines “tools� to slow down the aesthetic user-experience, as well as ways for the designer to charge the design object with durable value based on openness and inclusiveness. The exploration will lead to thoughts on how to rethink and REDO the design object in order to make it open and inclusive. Furthermore, the idea of the open design object will be compiled with the duration of the design object. The open
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