Implementing Digital Tools for a Sustainable Future

Me-You-Us is an EU funded 3-year project developed by the higher educational institutions: Willem de Kooning, The Netherlands, University of Ljubljana; Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Slovenia, and Design School Kolding, Denmark. 

The project addresses the possibilities that utilizing technology may support a more sustainable future in fashion. The approach builds upon existing teaching methods in the three Higher Education Institutions (HEls). Through the meaningful and pedagogical integration of digital tools, the aim is to equip fashion educators and students with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in more sustainable practices and influence the industry accordingly.

The project comprises a multifaceted approach, incorporating a series of workshops, on-site visits to each Higher Education Institution (HEI), Teach the Teacher sessions, the development of open-source digital fashion education materials, and collaboration with associated partners and stakeholders. This strategic framework aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, pedagogical enhancement, and the establishment of sustainable practices within the fashion education domain.

The goal of the Me-You-Us project is to create a library of 9 modules that show the implementation of digital tools and technology, such as 3D virtual prototyping, body scanning, artificial intelligence (Al), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), in artistic fashion educations with a focus on green transition, inclusion, and diversity.

At Design School Kolding the first module (ME) was implemented as a 2-weeks module in the already existing 9-weeks module “Colour and Visualization”. The module was tailored to introduce 2nd semester fashion design students to the advanced capabilities of CLO3D, a leading 3D digital design software, which seamlessly bridges traditional pattern making techniques to their digital counterparts. Through practical exercises and creative projects, students explored the interface and functionalities of CLO3D, establishing a strong foundation for digital design. The course module focuses on minimizing waste in toils and print by using digital prototyping and digital print of patterns. It also strengthens the student's awareness of sustainable digital solutions by a short introduction to digital printing, prints, and colors applied to the pattern parts of their individually designed garment, which also enhances the visual appeal and creativity of their digital designs.

The learning goals for the virtual prototyping part of the course are to ensure that knowledge of the current sampling system in small and midsize companies in the industry is acquired, the sustainable aspects of virtual prototyping and digital printing are understood, and measurements and sizing used in the industry are grasped while learning how to adapt them for individual measurements. Skills in sketching, developing, and creating clothes digitally, as well as in digital printing and designing for different shapes and sizes, will be developed by students. Moreover, competencies in using their knowledge and skills to create relevant clothing, articulating the pros and cons of virtual prototyping and digital printing, and describing the potential applications of these technologies in the fashion industry will be cultivated by students.

Through the collaboration and deliveries, we wish to encourage both international and interdisciplinary partnerships and secure HEls within the European Union and international standing in digital fashion education. By encouraging collaboration, we can use diverse perspectives and experiences to support a green transition, work for inclusion and diversity. 

The deliverables of the Me-You-Us project encompass online materials tailored for fashion educators. These resources are intended to function as instrumental aids in augmenting their pedagogical approaches and fostering students' involvement in a discerning and purposeful approach to garment design. The materials will encompass: 

• Video tutorials: Step-by-step guides on utilizing digital tools for sustainable design, ensuring educators have a comprehensive understanding of their application.
• Downloadable and printable tutorials: Printable resources that can be used for in-class activities, allowing students to practice and apply their skills hands-on.
• Course module description examples: Templates and examples to guide educators in incorporating digital tools seamlessly into their curriculum, promoting a cohesive learning experience.
• Teaching workshop formats: Structured formats for interactive workshops that encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and the exploration of sustainable fashion practices.
• Teaching cases: Real-life case studies that highlight successful implementations of digital tools and their impact on sustainability, inclusion, and diversity in fashion education.
• Library of student work examples: A collection of student projects, showcasing the creative possibilities and outcomes achievable using digital tools.
• Articles: Thought-provoking articles that explore emerging trends, best practices, and the transformative power of digital tools in fashion education.
• Learning & teaching tools: Resources designed to support both -students and educators.

The project has now reached a stage where the first course modules focused on implementing virtual prototyping at a bachelor level have been developed and tested. Educational materials have been finalized and uploaded to the website: https://www.me-you-us.education/me-virtual-prototyping