Historical
Research - Museums contain images and artifacts of aesthetic
beauty and technical ingenuity which can be a springboard for
authentic reproduction or original innovation. The major metropolitan
areas of the world may offer collections of ideas to explore.
Often regional museums will support a cultural exhibition which
can be inspirational to the designer and also be influential in
educating the viewers' understanding and acceptance of the color,
pattern, and application of the textile products.
The North
Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, N.C. has recently mounted
works from of the most renowned collections of Islamic Art in
the "EMPIRE of the SULTANS: Ottoman Art from the Khalili
Collection". The exhibition displays more than 200 objects
including illuminated manuscripts, ceramics, rugs, treasury objects
and arms and amour.
Nature
- The possibilities are unlimited in discovering your environment,
rural or metropolitan. The intricate geometries of fractal designs
found in nature or the affect of industrialization on the environment
may inspire creative problem solving. Reviewing botanical drawings
or the camouflage of animals may bring a fresh perception of function,
and appearance to your product.
Travel is often seen as a necessary evil of modern business life.
Keeping a journal or sketchbook of impressions or creative souvenirs
from your business or personal travel can be an essential part
of your understanding of the culture you may be considering for
a new product. Traditions and lifestyles are best examined first
hand.
Examining related consumer products is a specific area of research
which has gained importance. This would include consumer socio-demographics,
lifestyle trends and general influences on consumer choices. Market
research is a major investment for a company depending on its
scope and its timeliness. J.D.
Power and Associates is one of the major services.
Observing
human behavior at home, work or play will lead to a better understanding
of how products are used. This information would assist in improving
ergonomic design and customer satisfaction with your product.
Market
Research. One
of the most interesting services for a broad range of color development
and influences on fashion and style trends is the Color
Association of the United States (CAUS)
in New York. The CAUS is the oldest color forecasting service
in the US. Their staff is trained in color expertise and they
are able to assist in the interpretation of the forecast created
by a committee panel of industry professionals. Their color forecasting
services publish a report in color swatch booklet form. Not only
do they provide individual services to their members in reviewing
appropriate color for products, but they also sponsor educational
seminars.
For a more
participatory experience with developing color, investigate a
very active organization:
Color Marketing Group. The Color Marketing Group (CMG) "provides
a forum for the exchange of non-competitive information on all
phases of color marketing: color trends and combinations; design
influences; merchandising and sales; and education and industry
contacts." The CMG convenes twice a year and provides an
opportunity to hear stimulating speakers and take an active part
with other professionals in influencing color trends.
Publications
specific to your market can identify the colors that are current
and provide inspiration towards colors to come. VIEW Magazine
is always stimulating, if at times a bit controversial, in its
features. INTERIOR, VIEW ON COLOUR, and even the new BLOOM magazines
are only one source of images and catalysts for new materials.
Browsing an extensive range of publications in the library, newsstand,
or on Internet, including international magazines and publications,
will contribute to you bank of ideas..
Material
ConneXion, New York City, provides a major global resource of
new materials in their location at 127 West 25th Street. "The
library houses over 1,200 new and innovative materials representing
eight categories: polymers, glass, ceramics, carbon-based materials,
cement-based materials, metals, natural materials and natural
materials derivatives."
In an interview
with Dr. Andrew Dent, Director, Library and Materials Research,
he commented on the products or trends causing the most interest
for subscribers at the library. "Generally, clients are looking
for added functionality providing more value to the customer.
Laminates or composites are often providing attributes."
The materials
attracting the most attention recently are categorized as follows:
- Embedded
technology such as conductive fibers and electronics integrated
into the fabrics:
T-INK
Conductive ink technology fabric.
|
- Elastomeric
seating providing opportunities for weight reduction, visual
transparency, and creation of space in interiors
|
QUANTUM
suspension fabric
|
- Visual
effects in materials, iridescence or color change with temperature
or light.
- Phase
change fabrics for temperature regulation releasing moisture
or heat for comfort.
- Protective
clothing materials - for military or other emergency gear.
Images provided by Material
ConneXion.
"The
Chaos and Order: Materials for a Safer World" that showcased
in Milan during the furniture fair will be returning to the US
to Neocon in Chicago, June 10-12, 2002.
Later this
year "Collexion 2002", a collection of 111 materials
currently traveling through Europe, will be at Material ConneXion,
NYC. The materials in this ColleXion 2002 are selected from the
hundreds of products submitted to Material ConneXion during the
past year. If you are seeking products that are ecological as
well as useful and attractive, plan to see the collection. Examples
of products are advanced padding technology which uses liquid
to dramatically reduce pain and discomfort by cushioning the body
from shear force, pressure and shock. Other materials include
a) iridescent upholstery fabrics that are available in 20 different
colors derived from aerospace industry diachronic pigments, b)
UV resistant, artificial grass surface made from polyethylene
and polypropylene and 'planted' in a resilient 'soil' made from
ground up recycled tennis shoes, and c) a fire retardant coating
that can prevent buildings from burning.
Dr. Dent
also described the collection as including " printing ink
colors that appear outdoors and disappear indoors, laminated glass
that has decorative holographic designs, insulation made from
recycled natural fibers, high-density, polyurethane foams that
sense the body's weight and temperature and respond by molding
to its exact shape and position, environmentally safe anti-bacterial
insect repelling trash bags that are completely botanical and
biodegradable and printable paper made from money".
Mission
Statement 
College
of Textiles