Textiles, the forgotten material There were fascinating seminars at the recent IDSA conference on a vast array of subjects from design and application, to branding or running a business. I went to seminars on rotational molding and a variety of plastics, yet nowhere did anyone address the growing market for soft-goods. Although the idea for this article has been germinating for months, my experience at the IDSA conference confirmed its necessity. Fabric is an excellent design choice for a variety of reasons. It is lightweight and an excellent material for portable products.
Many fabrics are easy to clean by a quick trip through the washing machine.
The upfront costs are decidedly less than designing with hard materials. Tools do not need to be cut for prototypes. Fabric has a friendly, hands-on appeal and can markedly affect the allure of a product. Textiles are being used in new and innovative ways every day. Offices use textiles in furnishings as well as other creative ways to deaden sound and create a comfortable acoustic atmosphere.