The document discusses how computers have changed the fashion design process. Before computers, designers did all sketches, patterns, invoices, and communication by hand, which took hours or months. Now, computers allow designers to sketch digitally, change designs quickly, and create perfect patterns free of human error. Computers also facilitate fast communication with manufacturers overseas. While hand sketching is still commonly used, computer pattern making is becoming more prevalent in large companies to save time. In the future, computer aided design may replace some hand work, but handwork will still be important for the unique human aspect of design.

1. Fashion Design & The Computer By: Dan Douglas

2. Since the beginning of Time…… Fashion Designers have been responsible for all the design processes (that’s a given). While they may not actually do all everything themselves, their Design Team will. Before the invention of the Computer a few decades ago the designer and design team did everything by hand. All the sketches, patterns, invoices, spec sheets, and so on and so forth had to be done by hand. Making expensive and long phone calls to the oversea factories that manufactures the garments. Many of these steps in the production of a garment took hours, and some parts even took months. It all had to be a pain….. Well…. At least for the design team. (Must have felt like a sweatshop sometimes)

4. Hallelujah ! The invention of the Computer came about!!! With the invention of the Computer came computer aided design, more commonly referred to as CAD. Programs like Adobe Illustrator and other CAD programs like C-Design Fashion, allow designers to create flats and sketches quickly and perfectly.(Flats are sketches or designs of a garment, that are flat and not on a fashion figure.) With the use of a tablet and sensor pen the designer can actually sketch directly on the computer. The CAD software also allows the designer to change his designs quickly. Changing color, adding or subtracting lines to change the silhouette, and combining different garments for different looks within minuets rather than re-sketching.

6. The computer, aside from helping with the actual designing of the garments, designers can also use the computer to make patterns for the garment. The computer can create patterns that are free of human error, ensuring the garments fit and the integrity of the actual design. It also saves the time that you would have spent making the pattern, and allows you to move through the design process quicker. It also has to ability to store large amounts of information. Communication is also aided by the computer. A designer can connect with a manufacturing plant in china and send them a spec sheet with in seconds. Rather than long distance phone conversation or travel. It also allows for easy communication What else can the computer help with?

7. THE QUESTION IS….? What kind of affect will Computer Aided Design, Computer Pattern Making , and other computer aided programs have on the fashion industry ? Will computer sketching replace hand sketching? Only time will answer these question. As for now, hand sketching is still the most used form. However computer pattern making is making more of a change in the larger fashion companies which use it to save them time. As for all the small companies they are still doing everything the old fashion way, by hand. As for my personal opinion. I don’t think that the computer aided designer , or any other programs will ever replace hand work. You just don’t get the satisfaction, or the unique human aspect to the designs.