Pattern Flow

Overview

Pattern Flow is my MFA thesis project, where I explored how traditional motifs from around the world can be reimagined through digital design. I created a prototype platform in Figma that allows users to generate and transform patterns interactively. Instead of treating motifs as static decoration, I wanted to show how they can become living systems, flexible and personal to each designer.

Challenge

How do you honor cultural traditions while giving people room to play? The challenge was avoiding simplification of motifs into flat patterns and instead designing a tool that respects heritage while sparking creativity.

Process

Researched textiles, architecture, and paintings from multiple cultures
Redrew motifs into geometric building blocks
Designed rules like rotation, mirroring, and repetition for interactive play
Prototyped the generation platform in Figma to map out how designers would use it
Tested designs across materials — ceramics, fabrics, and books — to see how they adapt

Mediums

Outcome

A flexible design system that works across screen, print, and physical space. Pattern Flow became a way for people to explore and reinterpret cultural motifs, showing how tradition and technology can meet in creative practice.

Reflection / Future Work

This project helped me find balance between heritage and innovation. Next, I plan to integrate shape grammar and color grammar into the platform and develop it into a professional tool for designers in fashion, interiors, and publishing.