Sharon Watts

Sharon Watts serves as Course Leader for BA(Hons) Fashion & Textiles at the University of Wolverhampton within the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences. Her academic career spans over three decades with current responsibilities including curriculum development, inclusive teaching methodologies for diverse learners, and leadership of the Fashion & Textiles program since 2013.

Education:

• 2009: MRes Art and Design History, Liverpool John Moores University (Thesis: STEEP Factors as Drivers for Creative Engagement)
• 1989: BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles (Specialism: Printed Textiles for Fashion), Liverpool Polytechnic (now LJMU)
• 1986: Diploma in Art and Design, Foundation Studies, Liverpool Polytechnic

Her research centers on the intersection of social class identity and dress decision-making, with significant contributions to trend forecasting methodologies. She pioneered the application of STEEP factors (Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Political) as catalysts for creative engagement in design processes, arguing for systematic integration of futurology in fashion education. Her work bridges academic theory with industry practice through trend analysis frameworks that examine cultural drivers of consumer behavior.

Watts' scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on how macro-environmental factors shape design innovation, particularly through her 2009 Tate Liverpool symposium presentation analyzing overload in trend forecasting systems. Her research trajectory reveals evolving emphasis from surface pattern design to socio-cultural analysis of fashion consumption.

She has developed specialized teaching approaches for neurodiverse students and those with physical disabilities, while leading major curriculum reforms including the 2017 implementation of a 120-credit framework for Fashion & Textiles. Her external verification work for CDA Cyprus in 2015 demonstrates international recognition of her academic expertise.