Design and Product Development

Waste to Wonder: Empowering Children’s Learning Through Sensory-Infused Apparel

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Abstract

The ubiquitousness of single use plastics coupled with improper management of plastic waste have caused environmental issues for multiple animals on and around the African continent. Land animals ingest plastic waste, hatchling marine animals are affected in their nests, and other marine animals become entangled in plastic waste in the sea. Believing that our children will inherit this problem and thus be the ones to take action to fix it, design research was constructed to use pedological theory of multisensory learning to best engage children in obtaining the knowledge about the issues so they may become the impassioned cure. Three-piece collection of child’s wear was created using multiple construction techniques with colorful African prints and plastic trash at the center of the design. The collection offered multiple sensory inputs for children to explore as they learn about Africa, it’s people, animals, and the dangers of mismanaged plastic.

Keywords: Pedagogy, Activism, Waste management, Africa, Waste Management

How to Cite:

Spotts, C. R. & Zhang, L., (2024) “Waste to Wonder: Empowering Children’s Learning Through Sensory-Infused Apparel”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17575