CMF Development in Textile Patterns for Future Mobility Living Spaces for Active Seniors- Focus on Geometric Patterns

Abstract

(Background and Purpose) The subject of this study is 'active seniors,' who maintain a vital lifestyle, both physically and mentally amidst the rapid aging population and are emerging as a key consumer group in a design market. The term 'active seniors' refers to older adults, typically in their 50s to 80s, who are physically active but experience a gradual decline in sensory functions such as visual, auditory, or cognitive abilities. For this group, functional convenience alone is insufficient to achieve life satisfaction. This suggests that the factors determining quality of life extend beyond the functional dimension to include emotional and sensory dimensions. In this context, the focus is on a future living space for active seniors that combines mobility and habitability. To this end, we analyzed the characteristics and effects of geometric patterns based on textile CMF and applied them to spatial design. (Method) This study derived basic data on the color, texture, and pattern types of textile CMF by examining one domestic and three international cases of future mobility design for active seniors and analyzing approximately 20 previous studies. This research served as the foundation for establishing the study’s, based on which it was hypothesized that the repetition and symmetry of geometric patterns would contribute to the visual stability and emotional and cognitive enhancement of older adults. To verify this hypothesis, various digital design tools were used to visualize patterns, and material experiments were conducted to complement their functionality and emotional appeal. The patterns implemented in this way were not limited to simple experimental findings but were applied and visualized in future mobility space units, forming the basis for proposing design directions to enhance seniors' cognitive and emotional experiences. (Results) Geometric patterns with repetition and structure were designed, on which textile CMF development strategies were specified. It also categorized the effects of senior-friendly textile CMF patterns by analyzing four future mobility cases, both domestic and international, and approximately 20 previous studies. Consequently, it was confirmed that, in the spatial design of seniors, there is a need for designs that provide psychological comfort and sensory convenience beyond functional safety, and the effectiveness of geometric patterns has been demonstrated. (Conclusions) This study proposed textile CMF-based geometric pattern strategies applicable to future living spaces for active seniors. Geometric patterns go beyond mere decoration to simultaneously support psychological stability and cognitive convenience for seniors, demonstrating their strong applicability and effectiveness in complex functional spaces such as future mobility. It is expected that user evaluations and quantitative analyses will further enhance their practicality and commercialization potential in the future.