Visual Communication of Point-Line-Plane Elements in Sustainable Apparel Design: An Ergonomics-Informed Study

Abstract

This study investigates how point, line, and plane configurations in clothing design influence visual perception related to ergonomic relevance. Rather than approaching ergonomics through physical wear testing, the research focuses on how structural and compositional elements are visually interpreted by viewers as indicators of comfort, stability, and bodily support. An image-based quantitative research design was adopted, using a structured questionnaire to evaluate perceptual responses to selected garment images representing varied configurations of point, line, and plane elements. A total of 384 valid responses were collected from participants aged 18-45, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods. The findings indicate that specific visual arrangements consistently direct attention toward structurally significant regions of the body, such as the waist and upper torso, and are associated with perceptions of balance, containment, and support. These perceptual tendencies suggest that visual structure plays a meaningful role in shaping ergonomic interpretation, even in the absence of physical interaction with the garment. By framing point, line, and plane as perceptual carriers rather than purely formal or decorative elements, the study contributes to an expanded understanding of ergonomics in apparel design as a visually mediated construct. The research offers a design‑oriented perspective that bridges visual composition and ergonomic awareness, providing a foundation for future studies integrating dynamic stimuli, embodied evaluation, cross‑cultural analysis, and sustainability‑informed design strategies.