Jess Power

Fabric objective measurements for commercial 3D virtual garment simulation

Purpose – The aim of this paper was to explore the use of objective fabric parameters in 3D virtual garment simulation. Design/methodology/approach – Two methods (fabric assurance by simple testing and Browzwears fabric testing kit) of obtaining objective fabric measurements and the derived parameters for virtual garment simulation were studied. Three parameters (extension, shear and bend) were investigated to establish whether the selected virtual software derived comparable parameters from the objective fabric measurements. Findings – It was found that the conversion from the objective fabric measurement data to the required parameters for virtual simulation varied significantly. Manual analysis of the objective measurements showed the two test methods to be comparable for extension and shear parameters; However, some adjustment to the test method was required. The third parameter to be investigated (bending rigidity) concluded that the test methods and results obtained from the two different apparatus...

Examination of issues affecting the teaching and learning of large cohorts within practical-based subjects

The aim of this work is to advance the teaching and learning of practical-based subjects in the higher education (HE) sector. Part of the study involved the development of a model that enhanced the teaching and learning of textiles within large groups of clothing design learners. This article begins by reviewing current literature regarding adult learning. The middle section discusses the findings of a previous study conducted in HE over a period of 3 years, which focused on promoting autonomous learning within the domain of textiles/materials. The current investigation examined the use of active learning strategies within practical-based subjects for large cohorts of level 4 (NQF) undergraduate learners. The study measures the effectiveness of active learning through a practitioner reflective journal, descriptive statistics obtained through learner formative evaluation, engagement and attainment. It was concluded that active learning was a successful strategy to promote the development of metacognition, effective progression to autonomous learning and the enhancement of employability skills.

Yarn to Fabric: Knitting

Abstract Knitwear in recent years has gained a significant share of the global fashion market. This is accredited to the acceptability of casual dress and the versatility of the structure range that can be produced on modern knitting machinery. This chapter begins by discussing the process of mechanical loop formation and detailing the key terminology. The middle section focuses directly on the types of knitted fabrics, clearly distinguishing between warp and weft-knitting technologies. The case study details a fashion garment and highlights the importance of considering user requirements prior to embarking on the design process. The chapter closes by identifying future trends and new technological innovations.

Advanced knitting technologies for high-performance apparel

The chapter provides substantial evidence to support the importance of the knitting sector to technical and medical applications including performance apparel. It details specific examples of advanced knitted structures used in sport, protection, and medical applications. Three potential areas for innovation and growth are discussed including compression, footwear, and base-layer technologies, which are used in extreme environments. New fibers and knitted technologies have been acknowledged, which enable novel knitted solutions to complex challenges to be initiated. Creativity, sustainability, innovation, and technology are the key to the new industrial era, and advanced knitting technologies will not disappoint in the future providing a range of solutions to user and global challenges using smart materials.

Embedding Interdisciplinary and Challenge-Led Learning into the Student Experience

The Innovation and Creative Exchange (ICE) presents a blueprint for challenge-led learning within Higher Education (HE). It uses a combination of wicked and commercial challenges to develop knowledge exchanges and communities of practice for learning. ICE provides a dynamic and unique environment outside the traditional curriculum for undergraduate (UG) students from different disciplines to work together to build sustainable networks. It introduces disruptive parameters to impact on learning, placing students in a time-controlled environment, challenging students both creatively and technically. It was found that students who engaged in interdisciplinary challenge-led learning scenarios developed core skills associated with commercial awareness.

Designing functional medical products for children with cancer

ABSTRACT This paper details how Quality Function Deployment (QFD) has been used to develop a tactile advanced product for a medical application. Innovative experimental and industrial research was undertaken, leading to the design of a child-focused ‘Wiggle Bag’, which can be used to safely harness and reduce infection at the site of a venous catheter placed in the chest wall of long-term child cancer sufferers. Children with cancer regularly have long-term central venous catheters inserted through their upper chest wall to deliver medication. They can result in medical issues, particularly infections or accidental removal, but also discomfort for the children, particularly when sleeping. The research uses an abductive approach, triangulating various research strategies, including questionnaires, focus groups and interviews from parents, carers and medical personnel. QFD was used to bring together the key findings from the primary data analysis to establish an ergonomic design criteria and inform the product development.

An Exploration into Technology Enhanced Learning for Large Cohorts of Apparel Students.

In attempting to balance student satisfaction, individual expectations and the need to produce industry-ready graduates, with the increase in student numbers, a new strategy for teaching and learning was explored within the advanced apparel curriculum. An active learning strategy (enquiry-based learning) using an operational framework was developed and implemented which incorporated blending learning strategies, including the use of an e-forum. This study investigated the effect of e-forums in relation to enhanced student learning and increased student satisfaction within a large cohort of apparel students. Through a combination of content analysis, student satisfaction surveys and tutor reflective practice, overwhelming evidence was found to support the hypothesis that e-forums and continuous e-feedback embedded into units designed for large cohorts of apparel students significantly increased student satisfaction. The findings from this study illustrated that e-forums, with the opportunity for continuous feedback, enhanced learning and engagement, improved team communication, and developed the life skills required for apparel-industry-ready practitioners/graduates. Further to this embedding, an e-forum was found to increase tutor awareness and be an effective mechanism for identifying bottlenecks within the curriculum design and delivery.