CUSTOMISING.

Design to Reduce the Need to Consume

As statistics show, consumers are spending more than ever while the price of clothing is going down. In the last 10 years, clothing sales have increased by 60%.  Many textiles do not get recycled or reused but are often just thrown away. Remaining in the landfill, there's enough to cover the whole planet, which is worrying. What can we do as designers? How can we reduce consumption? Firstly, we can look into a strategy to make a garment last as well as looking into new ideas of satisfastion and well being. Important that it does not rely on buying more. We can organise an event/workshop considering upskill as  commonly, shopping is a social event.

Designers can let the owner have a deep attachement by custimisation option. A code design method, where making your own product is an outcome of work between designer and consumer. Nike supports it, and customers have an option. Having an attachment to an object means new purchase swapped for constant repairing, and caring. The garment can adapt or change with age.

It seems to be a great method, and clearly, it is working. We are now offered to buy second hand, which saves much textiles and money. People go to charities, where mostly the money is beyond used for other's needs. It saving humans, and our planet.  As a designer, I think we can do more if we are well informed. Using materials that are reusable or last longer is a great option.