• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.131-148
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• 2021

Upcycling is a sustainable way to recycle waste resources and solve the global problem of environmental pollution. Upcycling is now attracting attention as fiberization and the disposal of waste clothing have become a serious issue. However, the customer's willingness to purchase upcycled products should be increased by propagating that the product value of a reborn commodity is of high value; these products are meant for new purposes and prepared with recycled materials. In this study, we created 11 designer items by applying an eco-friendly concept in the design process of upcycled textiles and products. From 2020 to 2021, a PBL(Problem Based Learning) curriculum was taught in design planning classes. The final 11 design items were derived after developing an eco-friendly product design for upcycled textiles. These final items were as follows: 5 fashion bags, 3 dog products, 1 clothing, 1 fashion accessory, and 1 sanitary mask design. In order to develop only one aesthetic design idea for upcycling, we considered the following features: user-centered convenience, functionality, and practicality. Then, tie-dye, drawing, patchwork, and embroidery were used to create innovative design items. The product design of recycled materials is based on high functionality, waterproofing, and the use of organic natural materials. The results of this study indicate that the creative product design of upcycling has contributed to a sustainable and eco-friendly environment. Related research studies must be conducted for innovating the continuous design process of the future.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.12 no.12
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• pp.103-110
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• 2012

Various industrial sectors have formally turned to Green Development, practicing eco-design with the goal of saving the environment. Such trend can also be applied to jewelry design and production. Jewelry, which emerged with the birth of humankind, has been a contributing factor to environmental pollution and depletion of resources due to mass production and reckless consuming patterns of the 20th century. With the arrival of the World economic crises, however, the consumption of jewelry has dropped and now the industry desperately needs a boost for revival. In this paper, we propose a way to recycle waste materials and turn them into a new kind of jewelry. We introduce various junk materials that can be reused, and how to reuse them. The new type of jewelry we aim for is environment-friendly, low-cost, and unique as opposed to identical mass production of the past. The eco-design product will likely add new value to jewelry industry. The product targets sophisticated modern consumers with conscientious, environmentally aware consuming patterns. To fulfill the needs of these consumers, we propose methods of upcycling from junk to jewelry, by combining precious stones with waste materials.

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.173-187
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• 2021

The purpose of this research was to develop instructions for making upcycled clothing accessories related to the 'clothing management and recycling' unit of middle school home economics applying the design thinking technique. Teaching and learning process plans were developed according to the ADDIE model which includes the following process: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The design thinking process includes understanding the related knowledge, sympathizing, problem identification(sharing perspectives) and idea development, making prototypes, testing, and making the actual product. Thirteen home economics teachers served as critics. Student feedbacks were collected to evaluate whether the course objectives were attained after the implementation. As a result, teaching and learning process plans, course materials, and evaluation rubrics for ten class sessions were developed. Student feedbacks confirmed the attainment of following five course objectives: improvement of ethical responsibilities through the exploration of various clothing recycling techniques, practice of creative and eco-friendly clothing culture, acquisition of the skills to use sewing tools safely, improvement of abilities to think, sympathize, and communicate, and exploration of aesthetic activities and fashion careers.