Designing the Virtual Mill: Human-centred research to develop a digital virtual mill to accelerate sustainability, materials traceability and responsible sourcing in textile supply chains.

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In the UK, £140m textiles reach landfill/incineration annually \[WRAP-2017\]. Textiles contribute 5.4% of global emissions \[Forbes-2015\], consume 4% of global freshwater, and attribute =35% ocean-polluting microplastics \[Does Use Matter-2018\]. Leading industry players, (e.g Burberry, Stella McCartney, and Kering) have committed to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and science-based carbon reduction targets to meet the Paris Agreement. However it is hard for brands to make informed decisions to reduce their environmental impacts e.g scope 3 emissions due to a lack of transparency in textile supply chains. Dash & Miller (D&M) are developing "The Virtual Mill" (VM), a cross-functional digital tool that creates a digital twin of woven fabrics. The VM is currently as concept stage, our long-term vision is to:* Deliver an end-to-end digital product development process that connects our customers to local suppliers and manufacturers and drives waste reduction.* Embed data on material origin and production into a digital alternative of textiles, driving traceability and responsible sourcing in textile supply chains.Using the VM designers/brands can make informed decisions that drive sustainability and responsible consumption as well as quantifying their impacts. In this project we will work with a Digital 3D Design and Development Consultant, with human-centred design experience. This will help us understand and define user needs and obtain feedback on the VM concept and inform its ongoing design. This project is a natural stepping-stone to our streamlined product development process, using traceable technology to encourage uptake of sustainable consumption and production habits. Dash & Miller (D&M) is a Bristol-based innovative design studio with 13+ years' experience co-designing and sampling locally sourced fibre and yarn textiles for fashion, commercial and residential interiors, as well as automotive and fine art applications. Since 2009 we have worked with high-profile brands such as Nike, Athleta, Lululemon, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Thom Browne, John Lewis, Macy's, Cos and Oliver Bonas, as well as automotive brands and numerous textile mills across Europe, the US and Asia. D&M connects B2B and B2C customers with fabric manufacturers, delivering production-ready woven designs created with CAD software.