Where is Textile Design in Portugal?

Abstract

AbstractThis study is part of research in design and aims to reflect on the scenery of higher education in textile design in Portugal and the challenges of the sector. The textile industry is facing new challenges with increasingly complex problems, to which are added the dimensions of sustainability, circular economy, digitalization, and the need for decarbonization. Given this scenario, new ways of working are required from textile designers, and it is important that higher education in textile design follows these changes to prepare them for these new challenges. A literature review and data collection were carried out, interconnecting and crossing the different research topics, to stimulate reflection and bring new perspectives on the object of study and understand what key skills the textile designer needs to practice his profession. It aims to reflect on the importance of the relationships between the different actors in the value chain and how they can coexist. The study concludes that there are key skills for the textile designer to respond to these challenges. The offer of higher education in textile design in Portugal is limited and should be complemented by a specialized offer in textile design to prepare these professionals, in a close relationship between industry and academia, to become active members of a circular economy weaving a textile economy of the future.KeywordsTextile designHigher design educationDesigner skills