Apparel CAD patternmaking with 3D simulations: impact of recurrent use of virtual prototypes on Students’ skill development

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) virtual prototyping and problem-solving have been becoming increasingly important for apparel design students entering the industry. Repeated use of 3D virtual prototypes in computer-aided design (CAD) patternmaking can improve students’ interaction skills with the software. Furthermore, it can develop their 3D visualisation and problem-solving skills. The present study examined students’ use of 3D virtual prototypes in three consecutive projects. The sequence and content of the projects steered student learning and skill development when using 3D simulations. Findings confirmed that interaction, imagining, and problem-solving skills significantly increased between the first and the last projects. Especially working in pairs had a significant positive impact on students’ patternmaking problem-solving abilities and skills as demonstrated in creating 3D simulations. Implications of this study can be used to inform practices when teaching apparel CAD patternmaking and introducing projects with 3D in both academia and industry.