Abstract:

During the late 1980, practice-led research was made available at a couple of design institutions. Prior to that, most design research was about written pieces of work that were characterised by an addition of a significant original contribution to knowledge and understanding. Until recently, an alternative research mode often known as Practice-led research or Studio-based research has gained its popularity. It is a common mode of research in the area of art and design, and is generally understood to have meant an exploration of a subject of enquiry through practical work (amplified appropriately by text) in a design discipline. Normally, such research will consist of a major element of practical research supported by a minor element of related text, although each project does vary.

This paper illustrates some fine examples of blending art and science toward creation of innovative designs, with particular citation of the project of creating seamless fashion.

Introduction

As early as the late 1980, practice-led research leading to the award of the degrees of MPhil and PhD were made available at the Royal College of Art (RCA), London. Prior to that, most research degrees from the College were granted for written pieces of work that were characterised by the important addition of a significant original contribution to knowledge and/or understanding. At the RCA, those practice-led re-search degrees are known as research degree 'by Project'. It is a common mode of research in the area of art and design, and is generally understood to mean the exploration of a subject of enquiry through practical work (amplified appropriately by text) in one of the studio subjects. Normally, a degree by project will consist of a major element of practical research supported by a minor element of related text, although each project does vary.

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