Accessing axis : exploring design coginition from visual and haptic experiences as an apparel designer in digital 3d imaging using 3d printing technology

Despite the rise of 3D printing technology in recent years, the novel technology has not yet heavily expanded to the realm of textile and apparel design. Although 3D printed design explorations have been unique and successful, the information shared only pertains to unique garment silhouettes or materials applied as oppose the insights into the specific 3D CAD process, which is the core of such digital fabrication methods. Following the Mutual Shaping of Technology framework, this study zoomed in on the ways for traditional apparel designers transition into the digital 3D modeling process from the visual and haptic cognitive aspects. This investigation involved a focus group study with 10 participants who are 3D CAD practitioners with hands-on object making backgrounds. The group study outcomes further contributed to the strategy that was then utilized in an independent case study involving studio practice and the development of a 3D printed wearable garment. The results from this exploratory study suggest that the transition from hands-on to digital modeling is a rather challenging process and relies heavily on tacit knowledge and the combination of object and spatial visualization skills interpreted in the forms of visual and haptic memory in order to develop an efficient workflow in the digital design process. The findings of this study are of great value in understanding the cognitive nature of the apparel designer's virtual design process in order to reflect on the current design curriculum. This study also is of importance to the future 3D CAD program interface design for both apparel and non-apparel design practice

Instilled: 3D Printing Elastic Lace

Particularly in apparel design, recent explorations have been focused on trying to solve not only aesthetic design problems but also develop a functional design using this direct digital fabrication method. The purpose of this design study is to explore the elastic performance in the various 3D printed structures using flexible FDM filament (nylon) in ready to wear apparel. The inspiration of visual illusion was referenced in developing the core focus of this study. The visual imagery of organic forms fusing and instilling together was integrated throughout the garment prototype. The torso consists of two layers, a stylized cowl neckline and a 3D printed portion (nylon in FDM) in the back. The silks are draped over the elastic 3D printed lace to juxtapose the loosely fitted and the form-fitted silhouettes. The resulting garment takes advantage of the engineered elastic performance of the 3D printed lace in form-fitting and closure elimination

Hyperresonance

Designers have utilized engineered prints to strategically position images in creating optical illusion but are limited in utilizing engineered prints on multilayered translucent fabrics. In this design case study, 3D visual illusion was explored in a wearable ensemble through applying engineered digital imagery on silk organza using digital textile printing technology. The overall ensemble design was inspired by the ethereal effect of tree branches and glass windows during daylight. The ensemble was symmetrically designed with two main components with silk organza and twill. The poncho was digitally printed and constructed with three layers. A strapless dress with white bodice was designed to contrast the translucent organza layers in the poncho. The illusion creates in image shift and distortion based on the viewer\u27s position and thus resulted a visual hyperressonance. This study suggests that such technique requires designer\u27s understanding of dimensionality of lighting, fabric texture and color during the 2DCAD process

Daring to Sprint: 3D printing textile

Since the 3D printing (3DP) technology took off in the textile and apparel industry worldwide in the recent years, an increasing number of designers have been exploring new ways to print wearable material. This design research aims to explore alternative 3DP material for wearable product. Daring to Sprint is inspired by fierce spirit in the athletes and activewear and experiments with specially FDM nylon filament and various 3D modeling approaches. The ensemble consists of a bra top and a pair of compression pants using both compression knit and 3D printed nylon textile. The textile design is digital printed using photographic engineered print techniques. The 3D printed textiles were printed in semi-translucent color and later dip dyed (Rit) in gray and pink to achieve an ombre affect for design cohesion. The findings in this research suggest the great potential in treating 3D printed textile material the similar to traditional fabric in using common sewing techniques in garment construction

The 3D Printing Era: A Conceptual Model for the Textile and Apparel Industry

Based on examining existing literatures, this paper proposes a conceptual model that summarizes the potential impacts of 3DP technology on the big landscape of the T&A industry. The intention is also to provide a valuable framework for the T&A academic discipline to proactively think about the opportunities and challenges of integrating 3DP technology in the T&A industry and how to effectively incorporate 3DP into the future research and teaching agendas

3D Printing for Apparel Design: Exploring Apparel Design Process using 3D Modeling Software

Since the birth of 3D printing technology in 1984, it has long been used mostly for industrial prototyping. As rapid manufacturing technology evolves and becomes more readily available today, the 3D printing technology has advanced into medicine, surgical instruments, music instruments, and even the culinary industry. In the last few years, 3D printing technology is also quickly entering the product customization market to meet consumer’s demand for personalization through development of small-scale 3D printer for personal home use and 3D printing services

Exploring Effectiveness of Programs and Tools for 3D Printing Wearable Product

Due to the rapid adoption of digital fabrication technologies, such as 3D printing, the textile and apparel industry is recognizing the unique advantage of efficiently prototyping complex objects for various customized products. Today, 3D apparel design pioneers who have been trained in traditional practice lack the knowledge in 3D CAD and are often collaborating with 3D CAD experts in 3D printing product development. More importantly, the most popular 3D CAD programs are designed for engineers and thus lack intuitive features suitable for traditional apparel designers and products. This design case study investigates the effectiveness of popular 3D CAD program (Rhino) and tools (3D mouse) for the traditional apparel designer in wearable product prototyping. Findings suggest that 3D CAD program like Rhino challenges the way an apparel designer interprets CAD tools in creating various complex forms and reconsider orders of operation in product development

70 Years of Fashion in the Chinese Dress—Exploring Sociocultural influences on Chinese Qipao’s Hemline Height and Waistline Fit in 1920s-1980s

The evolving dynasties and periods in Chinese history have always been accompanied with unique changes in its dress. Under the globalized society today, Chinese fashion has also left its footprint in the international fashion industry through which the world gains further understanding of the Chinese culture

The Perceptions of Wearable Accessory Designers in Applying 3D Printing Technology

The Maker Movement has ushered in new ways of creating, such as three-dimensional printing (3DP), which has led to mass customization rather than mere consumption. Due to this transition in manufacturing and the limitation on literature regarding designer\u27s use of 3DP technology, this study explores the perceptions of wearable accessory designers\u27 experiences using 3DP. Sixteen participants were recruited from Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America on a 3DP e-commerce platform. Overall, the interview data indicated that participants emphasized the ease of using 3DP over traditional jewelry-making techniques. The participants further described their preferences for Rhino 3D, and plastic materials (e.g., ABS and PLA). Other key findings included participants\u27 perspectives on the ease of ring design over necklaces for 3DP, the ease of entering the field of 3DP, and the future need for improved quality 3DP printers. This study contributes to existing research regarding 3DP applications in jewelry design

Naturally Refined Series: Rippled

As our world becomes more polluted, sustainable approaches in various aspects of society are gaining popularity and attention. Slow design was proposed after the slow food movement to promote slowing down production processes and increasing product quality and keepsake value (Fletcher, 2008)