Return to September 2005 Funded Projects

Using specialist Fashion Design Development & Pattern cutting CAD system software, to inspire student creativity rather than stifling it.

Sally Amis

The key activities in the design process include visual research, mark making and the representation of ideas and the analysis of these to make either three dimensional form or to develop a two dimensional pattern from which a garment is constructed using blocks, drape and pattern cutting. Through this process 2D patterns and 3D toiles are constructed, analysed and modified, taking into consideration textile properties, colour, form, fit, styling and embellishment, technical assembly, cost and the visual and cultural representations of the body. The stages of this process are interrelated and not easily disaggregated. In many ways they are similar to the processes in other disciplines. The development of computer aided design (CAD) programmes has created the opportunity to explore the design process through technical pattern-making and cutting and three-dimensional visualisation. This project will explore how the creative learning process demands that these are integrated with one another as well as with more haptic/hands-on methods.

The project aims to develop integrated learning strategies and digital learning materials that enable students to gain a wide range of fashion related skills and interrelate CAD (PAD, Photoshop, Illustrator) with the visual and technical skills required for garment production. This stage of the project will require development of parallel CAD teaching and practical making and cutting skills. Level 1 and 2 students will participate as co researchers in refining these inductions and provide feedback as to how the experiences contribute to their learning and creative understanding and abilities over time. This will also involve setting up and supplementing manual blocks using the PAD CAD system to include test toiles and the building of effective and accessible resources for student central use.

Project outcomes:

1. A literature review and critical analysis will be made of the Fashion CAD suppliers and the current learning materials available for teaching pattern cutting and CAD from a cross section of Fashion courses nation-wide.
2. This project will generate and develop new creative processes, learning strategies and digital learning materials to support student inductions at Level 1 and Level 2 in fashion design. It is intended that this will enhance student creativity through focussing specifically on the translation between two and three dimensions in garment design production.
3. The project will be documented throughout and pilot tests and student feedback gathered. A case study for presentation and publication will be produced at the end of the project to summarise findings and identify further research and pedagogic development that may be undertaken.