EVALUATION OF DESIGN PRAXIS IN AFRICAN PRINTS PRODUCTION IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA.

Abstract

The textile industry is one of the most relevant industries in the world, serving as a major source of revenue for both developing and developed countries. The textile industry is multidimensional and designers are expected to have an understanding of design, management, and technology for maximum output. For textile companies to become or remain globally relevant, it is important to concentrate on the customary design practices in the companies because design plays a major role in the growth and development of any textile company. African prints commonly referred to as Ankara is a major textile product produced in Nigeria and it has high economic value. This study focused on the processes involved in African prints production in Southwest Nigeria and production of simulated African print using studio techniques to create a framework for African print design generation and production. The specific objectives of the study are to: evaluate the customary practices in African print production in Southwest Nigeria; examine the components of African print designs in Southwest Nigeria; identify factors influencing consumers’ preferences for the use of African prints; ascertain the level of influence of textile designs produced at cottage level on African print designs; and produce simulated African prints in a textile design studio using a user-centered design approach. Mixed method research design adopting a combination of survey research design and practice-based research design was adopted for the research. A triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data collection tools were used for objective one to four using interviews and questionnaires while for objective five, African prints were simulated for five age groups using user-centered design process in a textile design studio. Data collected for objective one to four were analyzed using mean, frequency and percentage for descriptive analysis using SPSS and Microsoft Excel while objective five was analyzed using consumers’ evaluation technique. The result from the study revealed that African print designs produced in the sampled companies are mostly determined by the designers and not users, this suggests that the design process in textile companies in Southwest Nigeria is not user-centered. The study revealed that these companies reproduce designs from other companies without permission from the original owners of the designs. It was also discovered that textile companies in Southwest Nigeria do not employ certified African print designers but prefer to train designers on the job. The study recommends the need to regulate the practices in textile companies in Southwest Nigeria to ensure that they adhere to professional design ethics. It draws the attention of professional design bodies to the Nigerian textile industry to ensure that the production of African prints are professionally guided, original and user-centered.