Obstacles, Solutions and Creative Agencies: How Forces and Agencies Shape the Learning Process of Weaving

Abstract

This paper explores how design students overcome various obstacles they encounter during their design processes. By studying the processes of three textile design students during their weaving course, we investigated the forces and agencies that help overcome or accommodate obstacles by developing solutions. The interview data showed that while learning and advancing a skill, in our case weaving, various obstacles emerge through direct and indirect interactions. By recognizing how to position themselves and build relationalities, students start working with various agencies to develop ways of being with these obstacles. Our findings propose that experiencing obstacles fosters the learning process of students by leading them to actively look for ways of being with other elements while becoming more skillful in their practice.