Embracing Mindful Creativity: Navigating the Challenges of the Digital Age in Design Education
By Shalini Bisht
In the whirlwind of today’s fast-paced world, where every second counts and information is just a click away, the fashion industry finds itself at a crossroads. While technological advancements have undeniably made life easier, the repercussions on the human brain are becoming increasingly apparent, especially among students in design education institutions. In the last five years, the profound impact of rapid information consumption and the need for immediate responses has posed significant challenges, altering not just how we learn, but also how we approach creativity and design thinking.
One of the most noticeable effects of our digital age is the shrinking attention span among individuals, particularly students. The constant influx of information from various sources has reduced the ability to focus and concentrate on tasks at hand, giving rise to an attention deficit dilemma. This is a concerning trend, especially in creative fields like fashion, where patience and deep focus are essential for nurturing innovative ideas and designs. Design educators are grappling with students’ need for instant gratification, struggling to impart the value of process and outcomes.
With information readily available, the art of research and deep critical thinking is slowly fading away. Students are increasingly relying on visualisation and ideation, neglecting the vital steps involved in the creative process. The shift has led to self-doubt and poor research skills among learners, hindering their ability to develop a robust foundation for their designs. The overreliance on quick solutions, often provided by AI, further perpetuates this issue, discouraging them from exploring and questioning and leading them into the Visualisation Trap.
As we venture deeper into the era of post-humanism, where the line between humans and machines blurs, emotions seem to be taking a backseat. The working environments are evolving but not necessarily in a positive direction. A sense of superiority and a lack of guilt in exploiting the environment have become prevalent, leading to a world where humanity is becoming increasingly disconnected from its roots. In this scenario, the fashion industry often associated with creativity and emotion, faces the challenge of preserving its essence in a world growing colder.
Amidst these challenges, the fashion industry has a vital role to play in shaping a positive future society. Design education institutions must adapt to these changes by emphasising the importance of mindfulness, empathy, and ethical considerations in the creative process. Based on my experience as a Design tutor at Pearl Academy, here are a few ways the fashion industry can navigate these challenges and work towards shaping a positive future society through fashion.
Fostering Mindfulness: Encouraging mindfulness practices can help students develop a deeper connection with their work. Techniques such as meditation and mindfulness exercises can enhance focus and concentration, nurturing a more profound understanding of the creative process.
Emphasising Ethical Fashion: Promoting ethical fashion practices, including sustainable sourcing, fair labour, and eco-friendly production methods, can instil a sense of responsibility among future designers. By incorporating these values into their designs, students can contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate fashion industry.
Nurturing Emotional Intelligence: Recognising the importance of emotional intelligence in design is crucial. Empathy and understanding human emotions are fundamental aspects of creating designs that resonate with people. Design education should incorporate modules focusing on emotional intelligence to ensure that future designers can craft meaningful, empathetic creations.
Encouraging Critical Thinking: Championing critical thinking skills is essential to counter the visualisation trap. Educators should challenge students to delve deep into their research, question assumptions, and explore diverse perspectives. This approach can lead to more well-rounded thoughtful designs that address real societal needs.
Leveraging Technology Mindfully: While technology is a powerful tool, its usage should be mindful. Educators can guide students on how to use technology to enhance their creativity and research capabilities rather than replace them. By understanding the limitations of AI and valuing human intuition and creativity, students can strike a balance between the digital and human aspects of design.
In conclusion, the fashion industry has the potential to lead the way in creating a positive future society by addressing the challenges posed by the digital age. By nurturing mindfulness, ethical consciousness, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and mindful technology usage, the industry can produce designers who are not only creative but also compassionate and responsible. Through these efforts, the fashion industry can continue to inspire, evoke emotions, and make a meaningful impact on the world, even in the face of rapid technological advancements and changing societal norms.
(The author is Shalini Bisht, Associate Professor, Department of Fashion & Textiles, Pearl Academy, and the views expressed in this article are her own)
