Abstract: An innovative textile design method and its applied effect was discussed. Based on the point that the inspiration of innovative design is drawn from experience and talent and starts out with conception, the multidirectional thinking method was put forward and inducted in the five different thinking directions as backward, forward, outward, inward, lateral. Combined with the analysis on the practical examples of the multidirectional thinking method in the woven fabric’s visual effect design, this article summarized its effect and application point. The multidirectional thinking method was demonstrated to have the obvious effect, handleability and universality in the innovative textile design. It was also confirmed that two or more kinds of the multidirectional thinking methods could be combined to use.

Key words: innovative design, directional thinking method, woven fabric, visual effect