Service and Innovation Design Case Study
Nurturing Nature - Reimagining Fashion Through Co-creation
Introduction
Nurturing Nature is a service design project that tackles the growing disconnect between the fashion industry and the environment. This case study explores how we used co-design methodologies and user research to bridge this gap and empower individuals to make more sustainable fashion choices.
Keywords: nature, fashion, textile, culture, identity, co-design, natural dyes
Understanding the Challenge
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Problem:
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The fashion industry's reliance on fast fashion practices negatively impacts the environment.
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Consumers lack awareness of the environmental consequences of their fashion choices.
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A disconnect exists between personal identity and the materials used in clothing.
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Goal:
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Foster a deeper connection between consumers, cultural identity, and the responsible use of natural materials in fashion.
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Empower individuals to actively participate in a more sustainable fashion narrative.
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Challenge the fast fashion model and inspire conscious consumerism.
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Research and Insights
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Methods:
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Immersive workshops and co-design sessions to explore the relationship between textiles, identity, and the environment.
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Audio and verbal prompts to stimulate discussions on personal connections to nature and cultural influences on fashion choices.
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Data categorization and visual representation to identify patterns and key themes.
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Findings:
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Consumers are interested in the environmental impact of fashion but lack knowledge about sustainable practices.
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Cultural background significantly influences clothing choices and personal identity expression.
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Building a stronger connection between nature and fashion can encourage responsible consumption.
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Co-design and Intervention
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Approach:
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We employed co-design methodologies to actively engage participants in the design process.
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Micro-interventions served as catalysts for dialogue, prompting participants to externalize their perspectives on sustainable fashion.
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This collaborative approach fostered a sense of ownership and empowered participants to contribute to solutions.
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Micro-intervention:
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The workshop focused on transforming abstract concepts into tangible visualizations.
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Participants co-created a tapestry using textile scraps and natural dyes, representing their cultural identities and connection to nature.
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This intervention was inspired by Cecilia Vicuña's Brain Forest Quipo, an artwork promoting collective action for environmental repair.
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Outcomes
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Impact:
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The co-creation process sparked engaging discussions about diverse cultures and sustainable fashion practices.
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The collaborative tapestry served as a physical manifestation of the collective desire for change within the fashion industry.
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The project ignited a passion for collaborative action towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion future.
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Future Vision:
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By fostering a deeper connection between nature and fashion, Nurturing Nature aims to inspire a shift towards conscious consumerism.
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We envision a future where ethical fashion choices become the norm, promoting harmony between humanity and the planet.
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UX Design Considerations
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User-Centered Design: The project prioritized user needs and perspectives throughout the co-design workshops.
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Participatory Design: Co-creation methodologies empowered participants to actively shape the project's direction and outcomes.
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Storytelling: The co-created tapestry served as a powerful tool for storytelling and conveying the project's message.
This UX case study demonstrates the power of co-design in tackling complex challenges within the fashion industry. By fostering user participation and building a stronger connection to nature, Nurturing Nature paves the way for a more sustainable and meaningful fashion experience.
Responsibilities
Desk Research
Sense Making
Analysis
Dates
October 2022 - January 2023​
Digital Tools Used
Miro
Figma
Adobe Illustrator
Service Tools Used
Engagement
Journey Mapping
Thematic Sensemaking