Innovative Industry Project

AKIRA PEH XUANING 0361228

BACHELOR in FASHION DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

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Week 1 - Week 14

September 2025 - January 2026

Week 1 - Week 4:          Assignment 1

Week 5 - Week 9:          Assignment 2

Week 10 - Week 13:      Assignment 3 & Final Project on Process

Week 14:                        Presentation

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INNOVATIVE INDUSTRY PROJECT

Week 1

In the first week of the course, Ms. Alshaimaa introduced us to the Innovation Industry Project and provided a clear overview of the course structure and weekly schedule. This introduction helped me better understand the expectations of the module and allowed me to plan my workload more effectively for the semester ahead.

Following the class, we were given our first assignment, which required us to produce a written report based on an in-depth investigation of a selected target market within the adaptive fashion industry. The task involved developing a detailed consumer profile, analysing existing products currently available in the market, and examining the cultural and regional factors that influence clothing design. In addition, we were required to conduct a market availability analysis, summarise key research findings, and identify essential functional requirements, consumer pain points, as well as potential gaps and opportunities for innovation within the adaptive fashion sector. This initial task highlighted the importance of research-driven design and set a strong foundation for the upcoming stages of the project.

Week 2

In the second week, Ms. Alshaimaa invited Ms. Tracy Vollbrecht to deliver an online guest lecture. During the session, we listened to Ms. Tracy’s presentation, in which she introduced the adaptive fashion market and shared valuable insights into the needs and challenges faced by children with cerebral palsy (CP). This lecture helped deepen my understanding of how adaptive clothing can support both functionality and comfort for children with special needs.

Week 3

We also participated in an in-campus panelist visitation session, which provided us with valuable first-hand insights into the lifestyles, real market offerings, and specific needs of our selected consumer segment. This interaction allowed me to better understand the practical challenges faced by users and how adaptive fashion solutions can be applied in real-life contexts.

During the tutorial session, we continued developing Assignment 1 by refining our consumer profile, mapping out the customer journey, identifying key pain points, and analysing potential market gaps based on the insights gathered from the panel discussion. This process helped strengthen the depth and relevance of our research.

Week 4

This week focused on preparing for our upcoming onsite visit with the selected target consumers. Throughout the week, we worked on designing suitable interview questions, planning observation methods, and preparing materials for interacting with children with cerebral palsy (CP). To ensure the activities were inclusive and accessible, we also developed a simple art-based activity, such as tie-dye or stencil art, which allowed the children to participate comfortably while expressing themselves.

At the same time, we continued working towards Assignment 1, which requires the submission of a written report based on an in-depth study of the adaptive fashion target market. As a student researcher, I am required to thoroughly investigate the characteristics of my target consumers. This includes developing a comprehensive consumer profile that reflects their lifestyle, behavioural patterns, physical needs, and the dressing challenges they commonly encounter.

In addition, the assignment requires an analysis of existing products within the adaptive fashion market. This involves evaluating their strengths and limitations, as well as identifying areas that still require improvement. To ensure a holistic understanding, I also examined how cultural, regional, and societal factors influence clothing design, including local climate, daily routines, mobility requirements, and aesthetic preferences. This preparation helped strengthen my understanding of the users before conducting the onsite visit.

Week 5

Although Week 5 was scheduled as an OFF week, we were still required to attend an onsite visitation that took place within the same week. During the visit, we carefully observed our target consumers and focused on how they interacted with their clothing in real-life situations. Particular attention was given to wearability issues, mobility limitations, and any discomfort caused by their existing garments.

The insights gained from these observations allowed us to further refine our consumer profile and customer journey. This deeper understanding later became an important reference for shaping our design direction in Assignment 2, ensuring that our design decisions were grounded in real user needs.

Week 6

This week, Ms. Tracy introduced us to various design approaches within adaptive fashion, including universal design, adaptive design, and hacked clothing. Through the session, we gained a clearer understanding of the challenges and benefits of adaptive fashion, as well as the overall product development pathway involved in creating functional garments.

During the tutorial session, we officially began working on Assignment 2. I started translating my previous research—such as consumer profiles, customer journeys, and identified pain points—into functional garment ideas. I explored different adaptive features that could respond to my target consumer’s daily challenges and began developing early design concepts by sketching and experimenting with functional details. This process marked an important transition from research-based analysis to design application.

Week 7

In Week 7, we continued exploring key considerations in adaptive design, including universal design principles, fit considerations, and wear-testing processes. These topics further strengthened my understanding of how functional design decisions can directly impact user comfort and usability.

During the practical session, I entered the co-design stage of the project. I experimented with various functional details based on the specific needs of my selected child with cerebral palsy (CP), such as easier fastening systems, more accessible garment openings, and enhanced comfort features. Throughout this process, I carefully documented each stage of my design development, from initial sketches to mock-ups. This week allowed me to refine my design ideas and progress towards developing a functional prototype.

After completing multiple rounds of on-site observations, user interviews, and sample testing, I finalised my overall design direction for the adaptive fashion project: an adaptive dress. This concept emerged directly from the needs identified through my interactions with children with cerebral palsy and their caregivers, ensuring that the design was grounded in real user experiences.

Week 8

This week was a non-contact week, also known as the independent learning week. No classes were scheduled, and we were expected to review the content and work independently. I used this time to come to campus and continue with my sewing work, and I also presented my design progress to Ms. Alshaimaa for feedback. This independent working period allowed me to focus on refining my construction techniques and addressing any issues before moving forward.

Week 9

This week focused on one-to-one consultations with Ms. Tracy. I presented my proposed design solution and received feedback on its practicality, accessibility, and construction.

Following the consultation, I began the first round of sampling. I experimented with different fastenings, placements, and construction details to enhance wearability for children with cerebral palsy. This week marked an important step in transforming my design ideas into physical prototypes, allowing me to see how functional concepts translate into real garments.

Week 10

In Week 10, we had our third and final session with the target consumer. Since Maya wasn’t able to attend, I worked with her caregiver instead.

I asked about practical aspects of the garment, like whether the velcro opening parts were easy to use, how manageable it was to put on and take off, and which fabrics Maya found most comfortable.

The caregiver also shared several issues that needed attention, such as the length of the skirt and pants need to take attention as Maya always craw, the bib needing to be larger during meals, and other design tweaks. This feedback was really helpful for me to understand what adjustments were necessary to make the adaptive dress more comfortable and functional for Maya.

Week 11

This week, I officially started the final sewing stage of my project. To begin with, I focused on solving a practical problem for Maya by creating a detachable collar, as she tends to drool frequently. I wanted this first step to be both functional and comfortable, so I carefully considered the shape, coverage, and material to ensure it could effectively protect her clothes.

In addition to the collar, I also addressed another important functional aspect of the adaptive dress—the crotch area of the built-in safety shorts. Since Maya uses diapers, I designed an opening at the crotch to allow for easier diaper changes without having to remove the entire dress. This required careful planning of fastenings and seams to ensure the opening was discreet, secure, and comfortable, while still maintaining the overall look of the dress. Working on these features made me realize how much attention to detail and user-centered thinking is required in adaptive fashion, as even small adjustments can greatly improve daily comfort and convenience for the wearer.

Week 12

In Week 12, I focused on refining the collars based on the feedback I received. I improved the design of Maya’s detachable collar to make it look more polished and aesthetically pleasing, and I also completed the collars for the other two garment designs.

In addition to the collars, I made sure to catch up on the progress of the remaining garments, completing the outstanding sewing and construction tasks. This week helped me stay on track with my timeline and ensured that all pieces were moving towards completion, while also giving me the opportunity to balance both functionality and visual appeal in the designs.

Week 13

In Week 13, I finally completed all three garments, which was a big milestone for my project. This week, I focused on consolidating all my work by preparing the technical pad for my main design and creating my presentation slides.

Working on the technical pad allowed me to clearly document all the functional details, construction methods, and design decisions I had implemented, while preparing the presentation slides helped me organize my ideas and reflect on the entire design process. Completing these tasks gave me a sense of accomplishment and allowed me to see the project as a cohesive whole, ready to be shared with others.

Week 14

In the final week, I focused on sorting and organizing all my assignments to ensure that I wouldn’t miss any requirements. I went through each task carefully, checking the rubrics and submission instructions, and identified what still needed to be completed or improved.

Afterwards, I prioritized my tasks according to deadlines, which helped me manage my time more effectively and feel less overwhelmed. This process also gave me a clearer perspective on which parts of my work were already strong and which sections required more attention, such as refining small details, correcting minor errors, and enhancing the overall presentation. Overall, taking the time to organize everything not only helped me stay on track but also gave me greater confidence heading into the final submission stage.

Overall Reflection

Looking back on this adaptive fashion project, I can see how much I have grown both as a designer and as a researcher. From the early weeks of exploring the target market, conducting user interviews, and observing children with cerebral palsy, I learned the importance of understanding real user needs before jumping into design. Creating detailed consumer profiles, mapping customer journeys, and identifying pain points helped me approach the project with empathy and a clear sense of purpose.

Throughout the design and prototyping stages, I faced several challenges, especially in balancing functionality with aesthetics. Designing features such as the detachable collar and the openable crotch in the safety shorts required careful planning to ensure comfort, accessibility, and usability. Testing, sampling, and iterating my designs taught me the value of experimentation and user-centered problem solving, as even small adjustments could make a big difference in wearability and daily convenience.

This project also helped me develop practical skills, from sewing and garment construction to preparing technical pads and presentation materials. Managing multiple garments and meeting deadlines required effective time management, organization, and perseverance. I realized how important it is to plan ahead, prioritize tasks, and be flexible when unexpected challenges arise.

Overall, this project has been a meaningful learning journey. It strengthened my understanding of adaptive fashion, enhanced my design and research skills, and taught me to think critically about how clothing can truly support the needs of users. Most importantly, it reminded me that thoughtful design has the power to improve daily life, and that user-centered solutions are at the heart of creating functional, inclusive, and beautiful garments.

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INNOVATING PATTERN DRAFTING PROJECT ASSIGNMENT 1

In Dr. Alshaimaa’s Innovative Pattern class, she continued building on the CLO3D skills we learned last semester. This week, we explored more advanced techniques to enhance garment performance and make digital designs look and behave more realistically. For example, we learned how to properly apply different fabrics in CLO3D and adjust material properties such as elasticity, which allows garments to stretch and fit naturally on the avatar. These techniques helped me realize that fabric choice is not just about appearance—it also influences movement, comfort, and how the final garment behaves in real life.

After learning these new skills, I applied them directly to my own designs. I experimented with fabric placement and stretch settings while developing three complete looks. Creating multiple looks encouraged me to think more systematically, ensuring that each design had a clear concept, appropriate fabric behavior, and a balanced silhouette. Overall, this class helped me improve both my technical proficiency in CLO3D and my ability to translate design ideas into more accurate and realistic digital garments.