The role and use of 3D-simulations in fashion design

Sammanfattning: The rapid technological advancement and the increased awareness about the environment have introduced new digital tools to facilitate the design process in the fashion industry in which 3D technology was incorporated. Very few research has addressed the experiences of fashion designers when using 3D tools in their design process. Most of the previous research in this field focused on the technical aspects of using 3D design tools. Hence, this paper aims to investigate the experiences of fashion designers working with 3D design tools by answering the research question "What are the pros and cons of implementing 3D digital technology in the fashion industry on the design process of designers?”. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken through Zoom with eight fashion designers located in different countries, and the data obtained were analyzed through thematic analysis. Most of the 3D designers participating in this study use CLO3D as a main program to design digital garments as it is efficient and holds a high degree of control and advanced settings. The results revealed seven themes, namely: flexibility and realism, improved communication, sustainability, gap between the digital and physical prototype, necessity of proper knowledge and training, limited creativity, and customization, and lastly, lack of social acceptance. The first three are considered pros whereas the latter four are cons. The discussion of results differentiated between two stages which are sketching and prototyping where most advantages are found in the sketching phase. Therefore, further technological advancements are needed to improve the properties of virtual garments in addition to a change of stakeholder mentality in order to embrace and accept digital technology. Hence, this study will benefit later research in the field to improve 3D tools and close the gap between physical and virtual prototypes.