Designing with Electronic-Textiles or E-Textiles

• In Event: Learning Through Design Processes as Researchers

Abstract

The discourse about the design process in children or K12 contexts has focused mainly on conceptual models. This study uses empirical data from a compelling case of design with electronic-textiles or e-textiles. Concepts from the design tradition were used in the analysis of secondary video data. Findings challenge the stage-like nature of design portrayed in some process models. The design process was seen as “messy”, and bore resemblance to Schön’s (1983) description of design as a reflective conversation with the materials of the design situation. In this context, the materials in the design situation included: materials for design, activity structure, facilitation and peer interaction. Importantly play, which is characteristic of children, was seen to occur throughout the design process, with an effect on the final artifact. The study seeks to start a discourse on the design process and thinking in children, framing the conversation from the design tradition.

Authors

• Verily Tan, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Kylie A. Peppler, Indiana University - Bloomington