Digital Creativity: The Impact of Digital Imaging Technology on the Creative Practice of Printed Textile and Surface Pattern Design

Abstract

The development of digital imaging technology for printed textile and surface pattern design has been driven by its use as a production tool rather than as a design medium. It has been successfully deployed by industry for the reduction of cycle times in product development, prototyping and communication but its full potential in the creative domain has yet to be realised. This paper contends that it is possible to unlock the potential for innovation when digital imaging technology is embraced as meta-media containing a wealth of embedded knowledge and skills in virtual space.

The initial phase of phenomenological research into the creative use of digital imaging by surface pattern and textile practitioners being undertaken at University of Wales Institute Cardiff has revealed that creative expression is being enhanced through an evolving visual language, development of new craft techniques and the possibilities that it provides for collaboration and communication. On going empirical research described in the paper illustrates how creative practice can be explored through a sharing of imagination in virtual space and the resulting material artefact is a phenomena of both individual and shared expressive responses.