Empathetic Design and Emerging Technologies
Cultural representation has become a critical aspect within the fashion industry although does this ‘inclusivity’ highlight diversification or tokenism? I learnt a lot about this argument through the beginning of the ‘Better Lives’ project. It is clear that the industry has become a more diverse place, yet in many ways fails to prioritise empathy.
Lorraine Gamman discussed this topic exploring whether design addresses empathy; identifying different people and their emotional responses. In many ways, the idea of representation within the industry is to highlight how diverse our society is yet in the process how can Empathetic Design fit into this. Designers should be more aware and sensitive towards users and take into consideration their situation and feelings. Lorraine expressed the importance of User Centred Design; to discover and immerse yourself into different values and lifestyles. She questioned whether there is an empathy deficit, this enabled me to reflect on my own decisions and whether I consider empathy. After evaluating on this I recognise how this will influence my decisions in the future, approaching projects more sensitively as I aim to become more empathetic and perceptive in my practice. When building empathy, it can help reduce selfishness, focusing more on the challenges society faces, challenges we all face.
Dr Nick Almond created an engaging, informative lecture that discussed the power of technology and how it can change the world. In order to keep technology going in the right direction we must learn and know the tools for it to be used in the correct way. It can advance our capabilities, bringing us closer together. It was interesting when he explored Disruptive Technologies; expressing how fast technology is enhancing, always improving upon another and when it arrives it reshapes everything. The intricate pathways he discussed highlighted how technology can really cater to any need, specifically within fashion. I was pleased to hear the growth of the second-hand market, Nick voicing whether it will become huge as you can integrate technology into this allowing you to track where the clothes came from, ensuring a transparent supply chain. It made me reflect on my generation and how we are pushing the importance of the second-hand market, and merging technology into this can create a stronger more sustainable and ethical outcome. Technology enhances the utility of a product, although throughout these lectures I have recognised the rapid change in the industry; the damage fashion is doing to the environment daily and to our mental health. In many ways, it made me reflect on the importance of technology, is this the solution to reduce the amount of landfill waste? The new method to create sustainable, ethically produced clothing. This selection of lectures encouraged me to think more tactful within my practice, being a fashion PR student it is essential that I navigate these issues more ethically, focusing on a sustainable communication method.