Toolkit-driven co-design of a modular curricula framework for sustainability and digital transition in textile and fashion

As the European textile and fashion sector transitions towards sustainable and digital practices, education plays a central role in equipping professionals with the competencies to lead this change. This research presents the Transitions modular, multi-level curricula framework co-designed using the Loopholes toolkit to support such transformation. The Transitions curricula is an interdisciplinary educational framework designed to prepare learners to address sustainability, digital transformation and circular economy strategies in all areas of the fashion system. The Transitions project is positioned alongside other European initiatives as part of a growing collective effort to reimagine fashion education through adaptive, systemic and circular forward-looking tools that connect fashion design, textile production, retail design and marketing. In this research we reflect on the role of the toolkit in co-designing the curricula using data from semi-structured interviews with involved partners. Findings show the toolkit supported shared vocabulary, structured content development and collaboration across diverse backgrounds. Challenges included the toolkit’s evolving nature and the need for familiarization. We conclude with a discussion of the results within the broader educational context and propose recommendations for toolkits as a valuable resource for co-designing curricula in complex and emerging learning environments.