Exploring flow in the apparel design process

Abstract

The phenomenon of flow, as described by Csíkszentmihályi, is considered a positive experience that should be encouraged, but the experience has not been studied in an apparel design process. The participants of the study included 12 students who were taking a senior-level apparel studio class to design their own line of 4–6 ensembles. Each participant was interviewed twice, once during the apparel design process and once following the completed project. Students reported that they were able to experience flow in the process and were often more creative and productive in the flow state. Factors that encouraged or discouraged students’ flow experience varied depending on the type of activities in the process. Since the flow state greatly enhanced students’ satisfaction and created positive responses, the study provides insight for educators in the apparel design field.