Translating Place Identity into Textile Motif Design

Place identity is expressed through symbols, practices, and visual representations. Translating regional identity into textile motifs requires a systematic approach that connects local visual sources with meaningful design decisions. This study aims to identify Pangandaran's visual identity sources, translate them into textile motif compositions, and evaluate the resulting prototype. A practice-based design research approach was employed using a modified design thinking process incorporating a visual-semantic translation matrix. Five visual sources were identified and classified, with the Marlin Fish Monument serving as the primary motif, supported by coastal landscapes, fishing activities, marine biota, and vegetation. These sources were transformed through stylization, visual hierarchy, and repeat pattern development into three design alternatives. The selected coastal panorama composition was evaluated as a digital prototype by 17 respondents comprising textile industry experts, textile design academics, and potential users. Descriptive analysis revealed favourable perceptions of recognizability, visual distinctiveness, aesthetic quality, and textile applicability, with pooled mean scores ranging from 4.3 to 4.9. The findings provide preliminary evidence of perceived regional associations rather than independently verified recognition. This study contributes a traceable visual-semantic translation approach that connects regional identity sources with textile design decisions, offering a methodological reference for developing place-based textile products.