QMCAT
QMCAT represents the design and product development work executed for a master’s thesis. Note that this is a working document and has not been published.
Phase 2 Data Collection Exhibit Walk-Through
Sample Design Process: Laser Cut Motif Design
QMCAT Brand Concept
Brand Concept: QMCAT is creatively interpreted from the thermodynamic equation Q=mc∆T, for which “c” is described as the amount of energy involved in changing 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius. This relates conceptually to the rising temperatures of our oceans. Further conceptualization asks what is the effort (energy) required by people to mitigate rising ocean temperatures and effects of climate change catalyzed by anthropogenic activity?
Brand Mission: QMCAT is the effort to design joyful, environmentally friendly, circular fashion that appeals to a diversity of values without use of dispiriting content. QMCAT promotes consumer participation in recycling QMCAT products via existing consumer behaviors or habits that are easily adopted.
QMCAT Logo GIF Softwares Used: Illustrator and Photoshop
QMCAT Prototypes
QMCAT Garment End-of-Life
Garments in the QMCAT Collection is fabricated from PLA non-wovens or Polyester (PET) non-wovens. Based on the selection of these raw materials, design decisions address the product circularity. Garments made from polyester were sewn together with polyester thread, and contain no glues, hard trim, or metal/plastic closures. Garments made from PLA were sewn together with cotton thread, and contain no glues, hard trim, or metal/plastic closures. To eliminate thread altogether, there is technology and equipment on the market for ultrasonic bonding of thermoplastics such as PET and PLA.
The PET garments are fully recyclable, and require little to no disassembly prior to fibertizing or chemical recycling. The PLA garments are theoretically fully recyclable, requiring separation of the cotton thread from the PLA fabric before chemical recycling. PLA garments are also fully compostable, requiring no separation of constituents prior to composting. Furthermore, compost is an essential soil conditioner, which would benefit the soil used to grow starchy crops for PLA production. Thus ,the design decisions made in the creation of QMCAT garments ensures that the loop can be closed on product materials used.