Engaging in cross‐disciplinary collaboration to enhance knowledge of historical design

Abstract The purpose of this research was to understand students' experiences engaging in cross‐disciplinary object‐based learning activities. A cross‐disciplinary approach was employed to help students draw connections between clothing and residential housing styles to fill gaps in research within cross‐disciplinary contexts involving two family and consumer sciences disciplines. The study involved six residential design/housing and thirteen fashion students. Data were collected and analyzed using a transcendental phenomenological approach. Students successfully drew connections in design between late Victorian clothing and homes and appreciated the sharing and exchanging of specialized knowledge and exposure to new perspectives, while noting hindrances to cross‐disciplinary collaboration.