Scrap Style
This project was created for my Thesis at Indiana State University and involved extensive research, user feedback, and discussions with peers to better understand audience needs. The result is a magazine designed for readers who want to extend the life of their clothing and reduce textile waste through accessible, practical repair methods.
The publication includes easy, step-by-step tutorials for mending and repairing garments, alongside articles on sustainable fashion, environmental and social issues, and inspiring ideas for personal projects. Throughout the design process, I had to solve key UX and UI challenges, particularly around organizing dense instructional content in a way that is clear, intuitive, and easy to follow. This led me to refine layout hierarchy, typography, and visual navigation to improve readability and guide the user experience more effectively. The project combines editorial design with usability-focused problem-solving to create an engaging and functional resource for sustainable living.
2025
Research
This project taught me not only UI (User Interface) design, but also UX (User Experience) design and the relationship between the two. Throughout the semester, I conducted research, gathered feedback from peers, and tested different design approaches to better understand how users engage with information. This process helped me identify what worked visually versus what actually functioned well for the reader. I had to make decisions based on readability, information flow, and how intuitively users could follow step-by-step content without confusion.
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The project began with a brainstorming phase where I explored several topic ideas based on personal interest, eventually narrowing my focus to the question, “Why do people throw away clothes so often?” From there, I conducted initial research into clothing waste and its broader environmental impact. I discovered that fast fashion contributes heavily to pollution and carbon emissions, and that a large amount of discarded clothing ends up in landfills rather than being reused.
This research also highlighted opportunities for reuse, repair, and recycling, as well as the importance of designing and choosing clothing with longevity in mind. Additionally, I found that many people buy clothes without considering how they could be donated, upcycled, or repurposed, which helped shape the direction and purpose of my project.
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I conducted an online survey of college students and young adults to explore clothing habits, sustainability awareness, and interest in repair and upcycling. Results showed mixed shopping patterns, with over half purchasing clothing every few months, while others shopped weekly or monthly. Key influences included affordability, material quality, and design, with many also relying on thrift stores, sales, and online shopping for accessible options.
In terms of sustainability, 42% of respondents expressed general interest, though attitudes toward upcycling and customization were mixed. Some were open to learning skills like sewing and mending to save money, while others were not interested due to lack of time, confidence, or preference for simplicity. Overall, findings show that people prioritize comfort, familiarity, affordability, accessibility, and durability in clothing choices. These insights informed the project by highlighting the need for clear, approachable, and time-efficient solutions that make repair and reuse more accessible.
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Based on this research, I came up with the idea of an upcycling magazine subscription designed to make sewing, mending, and sustainable fashion more accessible and engaging. The concept is a monthly magazine that provides step-by-step instructions, inspiration, and tips for repairing and customizing clothing, along with physical materials such as scrap fabric, sewing tools, and project-specific supplies delivered to the user.
It aims to solve common barriers by saving time through at-home, portable projects, offering an affordable subscription-based model, and providing clear, easy-to-follow instructions. The magazine is designed to be both beginner-friendly and engaging for more experienced users, helping build skills while encouraging creativity.
The magazine includes five tutorial projects, such as patch making, basic hole repair, a DIY tote bag made from a t-shirt, and Sashiko embroidery for decorative stitching. It also features three artists focused on upcycling and sustainable fashion, along with interviews and inspirational content.
