Biology-Informed Textile Design: A Mixed-Method Study of Textile Professionals in the UK

The intersection of the fashion and textile sectors with biological disciplines is seen as presenting opportunities for alternative approaches to industry practices, enabling a transition to NetZero. This study aims to understand the motivations, practices, and barriers faced by contemporary textile designers interested in or actively engaged in this field. We employ a mixed-methods approach to gather qualitative and quantitative data through an online survey of professional textile designers. Thematic analysis and statistical methods are utilized to analyse the respective datasets, and findings are correlated using mixed-methods analysis and information visualization techniques. The findings reveal a paradox: textile designers are motivated to engage with biological disciplines driven by a strong commitment to improving sustainability within the fashion and textile industry, yet their primary focus remains on enhancing the aesthetic qualities of textile products. The study highlights key barriers, such as limited access to specialist knowledge and financial constraints, which hinder the deeper integration of biological principles into broader design practices.