2.4 Design Processes Flashcards
What is the aim of the design process?
To create new and original designs
How does the design process do this?
By gathering information to inspire new ideas and finding the most effective ways to make prototypes
What type process does the design process have?
A circular (iterative) process rather than a linear one, as further research and modifications will be carried out as many times necessary to produce a successful design
What will the type of investigation carried out depend on?
- Context of the designs
- Needs of the target market
- Forecasted trends
- Need to consult with specialists
- Assessment of existing products
What will the context depend on?
- Design features of former products
- Mood boards to inspire a certain feeling or aesthetic
- The work of other designers
Why will the research data be analysed?
To check that the investigations are relevant to the context and provide a good source of inspiration for possible designs
What should be used to generate ideas for design work?
Mood or theme boards should be illustrated with inspiring images
What does research analysis provide?
Information that a designer can use to identify the design criteria
How can design ideas be generated?
- Making quick sketches
- More detailed drawings
- Experimenting with fabrics, colours and textures
- Samling working techniques
- Trying out potential materials
- Making 3D models
How is design work recorded?
In illustrations which could communicate design concepts and final ideas
What might designers include in these illustrations?
Suggestions of textures, possible material combinations or suitable decorative techniques
What can illustrations provide?
Evidence of suitable manufacturing technologies
Why is modelling an important stage?
It is used to test out ideas and firm up decisions about design ideas
What materials do they use in modelling?
Generally inexpensive and readily available, although sometimes a designer will test out a fabric that performs in a similar way
When are many different ideas generated?
In the first stages of the design process, these will be evaluated against the design brief and the most promising idea will be selected for further investigation
Why is a development plan put into place?
To keep the investigations focused on the design criteria and to work out how a successful prototype could be made
What does the designer set out in the development plan?
Possible materials, components, techniques and processes need for the design
How can strengths and weakness be presented?
By evaluating and testing it against the design criteria
How is evaluating and testing done most effectively?
By seeking third party opinions from clients, suppliers, experts and consumers, their unbiased views will help the design team to judge the best aspects of the design
How can the pattern for a prototype be drafted?
Using:
- An existing commercial pattern
- Block pattern templates
- Pattern drawing software
- Shapes traced from an original product
- Moulage techniques
What are used to communicate information on pattern templates?
Universal symbols and technical terms
What do pattern reference numbers identify?
The design, commercial patterns will also include the manufacturers name and perhaps a designers name
What does a section identification do?
Identify the pattern piece
What does the grain line show?
The direction that the pattern piece should be placed
What is the fold line?
Pattern pieces need to be lined up with the fold of the fabric, this creates a symmetrical shape when the pattern is cut out
How is a centre back/centre front shown?
By a dashed line that is midway between the shoulders, it is always a straight vertical line
What is the cutting line?
Usually a solid line, multi sized patterns will have different styles of line depending on the size
What are balance notches?
Triangles cut into the fabric, single notches indicate the front, double notches indicate the back
What are adjustment lines?
Usually 2 horizontal, parallel lines placed in the best position for lengthening or shortening
What does the seam line indicate?
The seam allowance which is usually 1.5cm wide unless otherwise stated
What are balance circles?
Matching points
What are block patterns?
Commonly used shapes, such as skirt fronts or sleeves, these can be traced into paper and adapted to create the desired shape for the prototype
Why don’t block patterns usually have a seam allowance?
Because it is easier to add the seam allowance to the modified versions created for the prototype
What are 4 basic pattern adaptations?
- Using pattern drawing software
- Using a mannequin
- Using a commercial pattern
- Using existing products
How are pattern drawing softwares used?
Basic pattern blocks can be printed out and then the pattern can be developed and extended using dot and cross paper
How are mannequins used?
Pattern pieces can be tested on a mannequin to check certain features
How are commercial patterns used?
The existing pattern provides the basic shape, which can be re-drafted into the desired shape creating a new pattern
How are existing products used?
Sections of an existing garment laid out and the shape traced to make a pattern piece. Each piece will require seam allowance
What is moulage?
A method of manipulating fabrics on a mannequin
How are templates developed in moulage?
From the fabric pieces draped across the mannequin, fabric can also be draped across the body, moulage is a similar process draping
What are darts?
A method of disposing of excess fabric to create shape, the size and position of darts can be altered to create a good fit
What is a yoke?
A shaped section that is often placed at the back of a shirt or hip level in a skirt, it is usually a double layer of fabric that supports the lower section of the garment
What is a toile?
A test version of a garment made up in a cheap fabric, usually calico. Recycled fabrics such as old sheets could also be used
Why are toiles made?
To see how the garment works and what further improvements are needed, they are usually made without fastenings and other components as only the essential features need to be tested
What is the design process driven by the need for?
- Fit for purpose
- The right price
- Appealing to the target market
- Fashionable
- Exclusive and original
What are different design methodologies used for?
To create new ideas or develop existing products
What will the methodology chosen depend on?
The type of:
- Product
- Target market
- Client
- Budget for designing
How are designers kept up to date?
- Commercial trend forecasts
- Catwalk and celebrity trends
- Sales of current products
- Trade shows
- Social media, fashion magazines, trade publications
What are 6 things that make up a design team?
- Freelance/in-house designer
- Product developer
- Pattern designer/cutter
- Pattern grader
- Sample machinist
- Garmenr technologist
What does an in-house designer do?
Produces designs, illustrations and summarises the design requirements
What does a product developer do?
Plans how the design can be manufactured, and test suitable fabrics and components that are available within budget
What does the pattern designer/cutter do?
Takes the design and creates a pattern
What does a pattern grader do?
Develops the pattern to provide a range of sizes in proportion to the original pattern
What does a sample machinist do?
Sews the first prototype using the pattern and according to the expected manufacturing process
What do garment technologists do?
Ensures the product can be manufactured within budget, fits well and the specifications are agreed by the client
What has an impact on commercial design and manufacture?
The cyclic nature of the design process
What does the cycle of development include?
- Testing it against the design criteria
- Showing the design proposal to the client
- Asking consumers for feedback
- Providing a sample to exhibit on the catwalk
What does convection dictate?
That collections are produced in spring/summer and autumn/winter, these seasons often dictate the colour palettes and materials used
