Clothing+as+a+Tool+for+Communication

=Kaitlyn Diduck=

For this project I developed a concept map that explored clothing as a media platform.Brainstorming the subject, my focus became how clothing acts as a powerful tool for communication. It has existed before modern technology based media platforms, and yet continues to survive as a means for individuals and institutions to communicate in a non-verbal language. Clothing can tell a story about their wearer, acting much like a second skin that can help to communicate our emotions, state of mind, or thoughts. As onlookers, we can interpret strangers’ narratives by what they wear: their attitudes, style, values, socio-economic status, lifestyle, and sense of belonging to a group or ideology. Thus today, dressing has become an important aspect of one’s identity and personality. A truth that is not lost on the industry, where designers and institutions both discover and sell identity through clothing.
 * Research Summary**

Initially, I began brainstorming my own knowledge of the history, practical and social function, and production of clothing. Employing different resources I expanded on this content, them using concept mapping software, I then was able to construct the framework and organize the content of my concept map. Finally, I applied visual elements using Adobe Illustrator, keeping aware the importance of legible typography, hierarchy, layout and a compelling information graphic.

Brainstorming chosen platform. [|clothing_brainstorming01.jpg] [|clothing_brainstorming02.jpg] Initial Concept Map. [|clothing_cmap01.jpg] Post Roundtable Discussion/ Critique [|clothing_cmap02.jpg] Editing / Developing Structure [|clothing_cmap03.jpg] [|clothing_cmap04.jpg] [|clothing_cmap05.jpg] Applying Visual Framework [|clothing_cmap06.pdf]
 * Process**


 * Final Stages**

[|Catalogue Tree] [|Wear Build] [[[|http://www.visual-literacy.org/periodic_table/periodic_table.html#|Visual] Literacy]] [|cmap_ex1.jpg] [|cmap_ex2.jpg]
 * Visual References**

Harms, Ernst. //"//The Psychology of Clothes**//".//** The American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 44, No. 2. Sep., 1938, pp. 239-250. [| http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0002-9602%28193809%2944%3A2%3C239%3ATPOC%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0]
 * Bibliography**

Hussey, Clara. "Bodyscan Data Usage and the Clothing Design Process." The Centre for Design Research, Northunbra University. Sep. 2005.

Jones, R. M. "The Apparel Industry." Blackwell Science, Oxford. 2002.

Novak, J. D. and A. J. Canas. "The Theory Underlying Concept Maps and How to Construct Them." Technical report, Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Jan. 2006.

Steele, Valerie. "Clothing," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2007. http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2007 Microsoft Corporation. http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761569657/Clothing.html#s1