For my senior thesis project, I am focusing on the popularization of 3D printing technology and sustainable fashion. My idea is that: offering everyone to have a chance to print the customizable clothes they like in their home with a simple user flow. The current technology and textile are not feasible to allow everyone to print and recycle their clothes at home with a 3D printer machine.
Currently, only 3D printing shoes are available in the markets, the most famous one is produced by Adidas in cooperation with Carbon, a company that focuses on 3D printing technology. Also, people are capable of printing plastic material garments that cannot be recycled. There is no one in the world that can print a daily shirt with textile material that can be recycled and reused.
In my concept idea, there are 2 primary ubiquitous interaction features that are required. Firstly, the interaction between human and the machine – the way how generic users manipulate a modern tool that has a complex system. Secondly, the connection between the smartphone with the printer. Instead of using a desktop to control the machine, I am thinking of the portable small device will be the controller of the machine.
I think my idea will work in the future if the technology is developed and can be feasibly implemented because of three factors. Achieving Sustainability, Personalization demands from users, and Time-saving experience. This idea will change the traditional way of how people shopping and how garment factory manufacturing.
In my future wheel diagram, I mapped out how the consequences are connecting to one another and what problems might be solved potentially.
Normally I can’t stand online shopping because I never know how exactly the clothes will fit. I feel like the ability to print clothes could also offer the ability to get custom sizes! If i’m buying a shirt that i’m going to print at home, I’d think that I would also be able to make it with my measurements in mind as well. I love the possibilities of 3D printing clothes I had never heard of that until now!
This idea is very interesting! I could definitely see a future where you buy the design of certain clothing and then print it in your house.
I love you mentioned Sustainability, it is important for designers to evolve while still caring about their design ethics.