Exploration of the shape drawing tools in microsoft word for fostering idea development in the Ghanaian indigenous kente weaving industry

Abstract

The advancement of computer technology for digital artistry in this 21^st century has availed new-media technologies for enhancing design practices in technical and vocational studies through the development of sophisticated graphic-application software. Unfortunately, these software are very challenging to learn and employ for creative design practice especially at the Basic and Senior High School levels of education in Ghana. Microsoft Office word belongs to the category of general-purpose application software, developed principally for word processing. Unfortunately, many of its users are oblivious of its capabilities for creative motif and pattern designing. It is embedded with shape designing tools that can be manipulated and modified to create intricate patterns for advancing variety of design concepts. The researcher has explored these tools and adopted them for creating fascinating kente design concepts, based on the design-based research approach. This paper therefore presents a descriptive account of how to use angular and linear shapes in Microsoft Word to create motifs and patterns to develop ideas for kente designing that can be employed by Ghanaian indigenous kente designers to foster idea development to enhance their trade.

Keywords: New-media technologies; graphic application software;microsoft office word; creative pattern designing; Ghanaian indigenous kente designers