Title: The wardrobe as a system: exploring clothing consumption through design fiction

Authors: Irene Maldini; Pieter J. Stappers

Addresses: Fashion Research and Technology, Faculty of Digital Media and Creative Industries, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rhijnspoorplein 1, 1091 GC Amsterdam, The Netherlands; VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands ' Department Industrial Design, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands

Abstract: This study offers a new perspective on clothing consumption by uncovering the systemic nature of the wardrobe. The research builds on systems theory and aims at drawing a map of the wardrobe as a system with particular structure and behaviour. By co-designing fictional 'smart wardrobe' services with experts and discussing these services with wardrobe users, we identify characteristics of wardrobe structure and behaviour that give input for a preliminary wardrobe map. Lastly, the wardrobe map provides a basis for discussing sustainable design approaches aimed at reducing clothing demand, in the context of growing clothing production volume and its associated environmental impacts.

Keywords: clothing consumption; sustainable design; systems theory; design fiction; research through design.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2019.102229

Journal of Design Research, 2019 Vol.17 No.1, pp.3 - 25

Received: 18 Jan 2019
Accepted: 11 Mar 2019
Published online: 11 Sep 2019 *

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