Practices of Eco-Symbiotic Design: Advancing Fashion Sustainability through Participatory Augmented Reality (AR) Design

Abstract

This study explores the potential of participatory augmented reality (AR) design as an innovative strategy to promote eco-symbiotic principles within fashion sustainability. Drawing on interaction design theories, environmental aesthetics, and participatory art education, the research investigates how AR technologies can foster collaborative engagement between designers, consumers, and environmental narratives. By integrating real-time interactive experiences into sustainable fashion practices, the study aims to challenge the linear consumption model and support circular design thinking. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, including user-centered design workshops, prototype testing, and qualitative interviews with fashion practitioners and sustainability advocates. Findings suggest that participatory AR design enhances ecological awareness, strengthens the emotional connection to garments, and encourages behavioral shifts toward conscious consumption. Furthermore, the immersive and interactive nature of AR allows for a multisensory understanding of environmental impact, providing a dynamic platform for co-creating fashion artifacts that are socially, culturally, and ecologically responsive. This research contributes to the development of a transdisciplinary framework that links digital interaction, sustainability education, and fashion innovation, offering a novel perspective on how technology-mediated participation can reshape fashion futures in the Anthropocene.