Overview
This studio and research-based course examines fashion and design as forms of cultural expression, communication, and problem-solving. Students investigate historical and contemporary design movements, material culture, dress and identity, trend interpretation, visual language, and the relationships among designers, users, and society.
Through contextual research, visual analysis, concept development, sketching, prototyping, material experimentation, digital design, and construction, students develop an individual or collaborative fashion or design project. The course emphasizes iterative practice, documented decision-making, critique, and professional presentation.
Ethical production and responsible innovation are integral to the course. Students evaluate sourcing, circular design, labour conditions, cultural appropriation, accessibility, waste reduction, sustainability, and the social, environmental, and aesthetic implications of design outcomes. Completed work is communicated through a process portfolio, critical rationale, and public presentation or exhibition.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse historical and contemporary fashion and design contexts using appropriate scholarly and visual research methods.
- Translate cultural, social, and material insights into original and clearly articulated design concepts.
- Apply iterative design methods to develop, test, refine, and resolve a fashion or design project.
- Select and use materials, processes, and technologies in response to functional, aesthetic, ethical, and environmental criteria.
- Evaluate sourcing, labour conditions, cultural appropriation, accessibility, circularity, and waste reduction within design practice.
- Interpret and respond constructively to formative and summative critique during the design process.
- Communicate design intentions, research findings, technical decisions, and critical evaluations through visual, written, and oral formats.
- Synthesize research, experimentation, and reflection into a resolved artefact or prototype and a professionally presented portfolio.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Studio | 3 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Seminar | 1 hour | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | Second term |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Research file and contextual analysis | 20.00% |
| Deliverable | Process portfolio and documented experiments | 25.00% |
| Capstone | Prototype or resolved final artefact | 30.00% |
| Assignment | Critical rationale | 15.00% |
| Deliverable | Public presentation or exhibition contribution | 10.00% |
Prerequisites
- Requirement Portfolio demonstrating foundational competence in visual communication, design process, or related studio practice.
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
