visual research

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What is visual research?

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Visual Research is a body of images that provides you with inspiration and ideas to inform your design process.

Visual Research will often form a story or ‘narrative’ of images that are linked together by a central theme. (e.g. ‘Cultural & National Identity’ as suggested by these images).

Creative development is dependent on the quality and depth of Visual Research, whether it is emotive, detailed, directional or informative.

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The aim of the creative process of design is to extract and interpret your Visual Research in order to innovate and inform new ideas.

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The aim of the creative process of design is to extract and interpret your Visual Research in order to inform detailing and silhouette.

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Visual Research can often inform and help to develop your colour palette to be used within the design process.

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Visual Research can be used to inform and develop your fabric story used within the design process.

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Visual Research can be used to inform the design process in a number of ways.

• Structure• Line & Seam• Detailing• Cut & Silhouette• Colour & Fabrication• Embellishment & Surface Pattern• Style & Aesthetic• Direction & Contemporary Vision

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Tailoring & Architecture Theme

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Brain Storming &

Design Concept

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Visual Research interpreted into Structure, Silhouette & Texture.

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Visual Research interpreted into Design Development drawings.

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Visual Research interpreted into Design Development drawings.

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Visual Research interpreted into 2D and 3D ideas.

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Visual Research interpreted into 2D and 3D ideas.

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Visual Research used to inform Technical Development & Design Realisation.

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What other forms of research do we need to support the design process?

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Research

Visual

Market

Technical

Contextual

research used within the design process

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Market ResearchTo develop an understanding of the market place, customer and company

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Technical ResearchTo develop an understanding of technical methods, processes and techniques

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Contextual ResearchTo develop an understanding of the historical, social and culture context related to your research theme

“By the mid 19 Century, the Prince of Wales contributed towards the popularity of the Norfolk Jacket as well as trouser cuffs and creases. In the 1860’s, the tweed Norfolk jacket became the popular hunting garb, since it was belted and had two vertical box pleats in the front and back for greater movement. It was worn with tweed knicker bockers, initially un-matching, but later matching the jacket.”

“The Norfolk Jacket owes its name to the county in which Sandringham Castle is located, where British royalty did its hunting and shooting.”

Beazley, M. Made in Britain: Tradition and style in contemporary British fashion. Octopus Publishing (London) 2002

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Contextual ResearchTo develop an understanding of the historical, social and culture of context related to your research theme

When

What

Why

Who

Where

Prince of Wales (heir to Queen Victoria who became Edward VII)

A hunting photo (wearing Tweed Norfolk Jacket & Plus Fours by Henry Poole)

Sandringham Estate (origins of the Norfolk Jacket)

1890 (leading up to the Edwardian era)

Representation of masculinity and virility?

Five ‘W’ method of research sourcing:

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Market Research Trend Research Fabric & Colour Research

Central Research Theme

Sampling Design Development

Design Review & Selection

Final Prototype

Spec Drawing

Garment Construction

Design Presentation

Prototyping

Design Concept

Concept Presentation

Historical Research

Contemporary Research

Technical & Tailoring Research

design process diagram

Market Research, Customer Profiling, Shop ResearchStreet Research, Company Information, Databases

Galleries, Exhibitions and MuseumsExhibits, Artifacts, Archives, Collections

Fabric Stores, Trade Exhibitions & Trade SuppliersFabrics, Trimmings, Trend Info, Colours

Libraries, Internet and BookstoresBooks, Magazines, Websites, Databases

Cinema, Video, DVD and InternetFilms, Documentaries, Biographies, Period Drama

Travel, Study Visits, Present EnvironmentCultural Influences & Lifestyles

All Around You!

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Sources of Visual Research:

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Technical Research

Secondary Research

Fabric Research

Primary Research

Cross Reference Research

Information to gain understanding of market placement

Is your personal viewing and first-hand experience

Another person’s research recording

Visual research that provides direction

Research to support garment construction methods

Sourcing of fabric samples & related information

Market Research

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Research is a process of enquiry and exploration using multiple resources (not solely the internet!) to deepen your understanding of a subject, task or field. It is not simply a matter of gathering information but also requires you to evaluate, sift and critique what you have gathered.

• Structure• Line & Seam• Detailing• Cut & Silhouette• Colour & Fabrication• Embellishment & Surface Pattern• Style & Aesthetic• Direction & Contemporary Vision

Therefore, when sourcing research, you should gather your research from a broad range of sources and evaluate the appropriateness and its purpose to support your design process as well as develop your knowledge and understanding of the subject.

To develop your:

• Technical Knowledge• Market Awareness• Contextual Knowledge• Historical Influences• Contemporary Influences

To inform your design work through:

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Thank you for listening and do you have any questions?