The FabricLink Network (FLN), focused on some of the most interesting “smart” trends and technologies in textiles, is proud to help introduce this year’s inaugural Industrial Design Center at Summer Market.
This opening day event is an attendee and media kick start, orchestrated to launch four days of discovery, participation and inspiration offered by this new collaboration for the industrial side of design. The area is presented by Outdoor Retailer, with supporting partners, Fabric Link, Promostyl, Mesh01, Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and Go Engineering.
Introductions by OR Show Director Kenji Haroutunian and orientation with Brian Bednarek of Mesh01 and Kathy Swantko with FabricLink Network will start August 31 at 10:30 a.m. in meeting room 155, Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City followed by espresso bar and light pastries.
The 800 sq. ft. Industrial Design Center will be located within the Design Center (Meeting Room 155: First level, adjacent to Hall 1), previously occupied by the Project OR student design competition. Come see the latest in 3D modeling, new materials for future products, space age textiles and speak with design forecasters.
Show participants will be able to:
- See and use the latest 2D drawing technologies—even participate in fun sketch competitions
- Create, manipulate, and print 3D models using breakthrough tools from the top vendors
- Discover how crowdsourcing and community-based design drive innovation for outdoor brands
- See and touch the innovative materials that are setting new trends in product design and development
- Prepare for new design talent entering the workforce; learn how to keep in-house designers up to speed
“This industry thrives and profits on the conception and creation of adventure-worthy footwear, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags and thousands of innovative accessories,” said Outdoor Group Vice President and OR Show Director Kenji Haroutunian. “The Industrial Design Center, along with our exceptional partners, will bring to life the latest tools, technologies and best practices of outdoor product design for our show participants - definitely a can’t-miss for this summer’s show.”
The Industrial Design Center is possible through partnership and support from the co- creation platform MESH01, the Industrial Designers Society of America and the online textile resource FabricLink Network.
About the FabricLink Network
Kathlyn Swantko, a textile advocate and educator, is president and founder of FabricLink.com and TheTechnicalCenter.com, the on-line textile resources which make up the FabricLink Network.
FabricLink.com (trade-to-consumer) and TheTechnicalCenter.com (trade-to-trade) provides information about new products and marketing opportunities for specialty textiles, textile-based products and services. The two sites offer; valuable content and technical information, news releases on innovations, fabric descriptions, usage and care, supplier history and contacts.
