Future Fashion Industry: The Effects of Virtualisation of the Product Development Process

McCage, Logan

Abstract

Virtualisation in design, manufacturing, and sales is transforming the fashion industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional ways of garment presentation, such as fashion catwalk shows, shifted towards virtual showrooms, and digital samples became a main communication tool between brands and manufacturers. This doctoral research explores how virtualisation in the product development process is impacting the fashion and garment industry. To address this question, both quantitative and qualitative research were undertaken to: (i) understand the processes companies are using to implement virtualisation; (ii) examine the impact of virtualisation on the fashion industry's product development process, including its effects on issues such as 'craft' and 'authenticity'.

This PhD research significantly contributes to knowledge by offering new insights into virtualisation within the fashion industry. By combining theoretical humanities with applied science, the study provides a comprehensive academic analysis of how the industry adopts digital technology and virtualisation in the product development
process. The doctoral research contributes to this emerging area of research by supporting improved understanding of technological transformation for the fashion and apparel / garment industry. Furthermore, it adds to the growing body of literature on technology, design, and production to future-proof the fashion industry.

Citation

McCage, L. (2024). Future Fashion Industry: The Effects of Virtualisation of the Product Development Process. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 17, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 25, 2024
• Keywords: virtualization, fashion industry, product development, 3D design software, garment and fabric digitalization, digital transformation, Industry 4.0, digital fashion, apparel/garment manufacturing, design, craft, human-centered design, ethnography, interp
• Award Date: Oct 24, 2024