Colorimetry in Fashion Design Education

Abstract

Color is a main visual quality of the objects and spaces that surround us and thus, a fundamental variable in design education and practice. The complexity and interdisciplinary nature of color knowledge has been advocated throughout history. Nevertheless, color science is an underexplored subject in higher education design programs. Colorimetry is the science focused on quantifying and physically describing human color perception, applying numerical data for a systematic color specification and communication. In addition, colorimetric data is also applied for evaluation of color difference and prediction of color appearance. Colorimetry is widely used in the textile and fashion industry. This paper discusses the role of colorimetry in fashion design education under three main perspectives: the interdisciplinary integration, in line with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) educational approach; the contribution to sustainability in fashion, from the design conceptual phase to industrial production; and the alignment with technology progress through the use of digital tools. Approaching active learning methods, this article also presents a set of activities that illustrates how colorimetry can be explored to enhance technical and creative skills of fashion design students. This study aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the advancement of design education in the context of Education for Sustainable Development.

Presenters

Isabel Cabral
Researcher, Textile Engineering, Centre for Textile Science and Technology, Portugal

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Design Education

KEYWORDS

Design education, Higher education, Fashion and textiles, Color training, Sustainability