Perceptions of creativity in a fashion design course /
Abstract
Creativity is important to the growth and development of society, to educational
institutions, and to the personal growth of individuals. Students who are aware of their
creativity are assumed to have innovative ideas and fresh insights. Limited research has
been conducted to see if students can identify their own creative abilities. In this study, I
explored the students' perceptions and experiences in a fashion design course. This study
documented the creative journey from the concept stage of an apparel collection to the
final product.
Participants were asked to reflect and document their creative moments, describe
a creative process, and identify a creative environment. The participants were students
who were enrolled in a fashion design course and were asked to participate in this study
because they experienced all stages of the design process. Data were collected through
personal reflection surveys, focus groups, and personal interviews. Themes of creative
moments that emerged from this study were experiences that the participants had as they
proceeded through the stages of the fashion design process.
All of the participants identified a creative process, but the stages varied for each
participant The participants identified themes related to promoting creativity in an
environment, including the atmosphere, creative people, teachers, reflection, student
needs, and assignments. The participants identified potential barriers in an environment,
including rules and guidelines, teachers, the classroom, deadlines and time, feedback, and
other important issues.
The results ofthis study suggest that there needs to be a better understanding of
creativity and greater support and encouragement for creativity in the classroom.
Instructors need to support environments that are conducive to creative development and
lead to effective learning for students. Students need to learn how to enhance their
creativity as well as understand the barriers that block their creative development.