technical designers: what they need to know now and in the future dr. gindy j. neidermyer program...

Technical Designers: Technical Designers: What They Need to Know What They Need to Know Now Now and In The Futureand In The Future

Dr. Gindy J. NeidermyerProgram Director & Professor Apparel Design& Development University of Wisconsin-Stout

Dr. Gindy NeidermyerDr. Gindy Neidermyer

University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI

Wisconsin’s First Polytechnic InstitutionFirst Malcolm Baldrige Award Winner in

Higher Education

University of Wisconsin-University of Wisconsin-StoutStout

Program Director◦ Apparel Design &

DevelopmentProfessor

◦ Quality Analysis of Sewn Products Specification

Writing

◦ Functional Clothing Design

Technical Designers: What Technical Designers: What They Need to Know Now They Need to Know Now and Inand InThe FutureThe Future

Background of the StudyBackground of the Study

Statement of the ProblemStatement of the Problem

“It is not known if existing Bachelor of Science apparel

degree programs are appropriately preparing

graduates for current and future entry-level positions due to the

changes the apparel is facing and will face in the future.”

Research QuestionsResearch Questions

Significance of the StudySignificance of the Study

Survey MethodSurvey Method

Assumptions and Assumptions and LimitationsLimitations

Effective Change Effective Change LeadershipLeadership

Two Types of Leaders

Two Types of Organizational Change

Types of LeadersTypes of LeadersHistorical Tradition Future Agentmaintain programs

based on past experience

continually strive to meet stakeholders needs through techniques of continual process improvements

Types of Organizational Types of Organizational ChangeChange

External Internal

Developments of technology, strategy, or practice of external stakeholders and their respective organizations

Internal developments that evolve without influence of external changeProduct change,

employee change, etc.

Theoretical FrameworkTheoretical FrameworkThis Study… used Future Agent Leadership

techniques merged the changes faced by

external stakeholders with those of

internal stakeholders

AND THEREFORE: The effectiveness of the institution should therefore increase through the use of the results

Gathering ParticipantsGathering ParticipantsRequested participation of: 134 experts From garment producing apparel

organizations Identified HR contacts through

ReferenceUSA

Requested that letter was forwarded to appropriate experts

Minimum of 7 years apparel industry experience

Request to ParticipateRequest to Participate Postal letter contained:

Cover Letter to HR/Panelists

Letter of Informed Consent

Information Form for Apparel Industry Participants

Gathering ParticipantsGathering Participants Panel of 15-25 not secured

through Reference USA◦ follow-up phone calls

Professional contacts of researcher and UW-Stout Apparel program

Identical postal letter package was sent to request participation.

Expert PanelExpert Panel

Expert DemographicsExpert Demographics

Data CollectionData Collection

Round 1…3 open-ended Round 1…3 open-ended questionsquestions

Round 1into Round 2Round 1into Round 2

Round 1 into Round 2Round 1 into Round 2

In Round 2…In Round 2…

Round 2Round 2

Round 2 - OrganizationRound 2 - Organization

Current & Future Current & Future Technical Design Technical Design ThemesThemes

Industry Projection Industry Projection ThemesThemes

Statistical ProcessStatistical Process

Technical Technical Designer:Designer:CurrentCurrent Knowledge Knowledge RequirementsRequirements

Table 1. Current Competency Level of Knowledge Required for Technical Design Mean Median Mode # Selecting Mode Garment Feature Terminology 3.61 4.00 3.00 & 5.00 4.00 each How a Pattern Shape Relates to Body Shape 3.61 4.00 4.00 5.00 Stitches and Seams 3.61 4.00 4.00 8.00 How to Communicate with Overseas Vendors 3.61 4.00 4.00 5.00

Note: N=13; Scale: 5 = expert level of knowledge, 4 = high level of knowledge, 3 = moderate level of knowledge, 2 = basic level of knowledge, and 1 = no knowledge required

Table 1. Current Competency Level of Knowledge Required for Technical Design Mean Median Mode # Selecting Mode Order of Operations 3.46 4.00 4.00 6.00 Identify Fabric, Fibers, Properties, Construction, etc.

3.30 3.00 4.00 5.00

Manufacturing Techniques 3.30 3.00 4.00 5.00 Finishing Techniques (Wash, Press, Sandblast, Whisker, etc.)

3.23 4.00 4.00 6.00

Product Life Cycle (Entire Process from Concept to Disposal)

3.15 4.00 4.00 7.00

Findings and Trims 3.07 3.00 4.00 5.00 Silhouette Terminology 3.07 3.00 3.00 5.00 Fabric Analysis or Textile Testing Techniques 3.07 3.00 3.00 5.00 Machine Types 3.00 3.00 3.00 5.00


Table 1. Current Competency Level of Knowledge Required for Technical Design Mean Median Mode # Selecting Mode Quality vs. Cost 2.92 3.00 2.00 & 3.00 4.00 each Print and Dye Techniques 2.84 3.00 2.00 4.00 Global Product Sourcing 2.76 3.00 4.00 5.00 Understanding of Fabric Care Methods 2.69 2.00 2.00 7.00 Develop Textile Prints, Yarn Dye Print, or Graphics

2.69 2.00 2.00 7.00

Communicate Textile Print, Yarn Dye Print or Graphic Changes to Vendor

2.69 2.00 2.00 6.00

Understand how a Corporate Calendar is Developed

2.61 3.00 2.00 & 3.00 5.00 each

Cost Margins 2.61 3.00 2.00 & 3.00 4.00 each Brands vs. Labels 2.61 2.00 2.00 7.00


Table 1. Current Competency Level of Knowledge Required for Technical Design Mean Median Mode # Selecting Mode Basic Financial Principles 2.46 2.00 2.00 & 3.00 4.00 each Line Plan Development 2.46 2.00 2.00 8.00 Color Relationships 2.46 2.00 2.00 7.00 Foreign Language 1.84 1.00 1.00 8.00 Mandarin 1.76 1.00 1.00 9.00 Cantonese 1.76 1.00 1.00 9.00


Technical Technical Designer:Designer:Current Skill Current Skill RequirementsRequirements

Table 2. Current Competency Level of Skill Required for Technical Design

Mean Median Mode # Selecting

Mode Possess an Attention to Detail 4.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 Multi-task 3.92 4.00 5.00 6.00 Remain Organized 3.92 4.00 4.00 & 5.00 5.00 each Work Under Pressure & Keep to Deadlines

3.84 4.00 4.00 & 5.00 5.00 each

Communicate in Writing 3.84 4.00 4.00 6.00 Eager to Learn 3.84 4.00 4.00 6.00 Grade Patterns 3.84 3.00 4.00 5.00

Note: N=13; Scale: 5 = expert level of skill, 4 = high level of skill, 3 = moderate level of skill, 2 = basic level of skill, and 1 = no skill required



Mode Read Specifications 3.76 4.00 5.00 5.00 Possess a Good Attitude 3.76 4.00 4.00 7.00 Be Flexible 3.76 4.00 4.00 6.00 Learn Quickly and Efficiently 3.76 4.00 4.00 7.00 Participate in Teamwork 3.76 4.00 4.00 6.00 Possess a Level of Dedication 3.76 4.00 4.00 7.00 Develop Patterns via Draping Techniques

3.76 2.00 2.00 & 4.00 6.00




Mode Understand how the Measurements Relate to the Pattern

3.69 4.00 4.00 5.00

Write Specifications 3.69 4.00 4.00 5.00 Evaluate Specifications 3.69 4.00 4.00 5.00 Utilize Email (Outlook) 3.69 4.00 4.00 5.00 Open to Feedback 3.69 4.00 4.00 6.00 Apply Problem Solving Techniques 3.69 4.00 4.00 5.00 Communicate Verbally 3.61 4.00 4.00 7.00 Perform Mathematical Functions (Fractions)

3.61 4.00 3.00 & 4.00 4.00 each




Mode Develop and Adjust Patterns via Flat Pattern Techniques

3.53 4.00 4.00 6.00

How to Balance a Pattern 3.53 4.00 4.00 6.00 Use Patterns Skills to make Adjustments to Fit

3.53 4.00 4.00 6.00

Perform Garment Fit Analysis 3.53 4.00 4.00 6.00 Determine Appropriate Stitches and Seams for Individual Garment Types

3.53 4.00 4.00 8.00

Develop Graded Points of Measure 3.46 4.00 4.00 5.00 Use of Product Data Management/Product Lifecycle Management Software

3.46 4.00 4.00 6.00

Develop Spreadsheets (Excel) 3.46 4.00 4.00 6.00




Mode Develop Spreadsheets (Excel) 3.46 4.00 4.00 6.00 Develop Detailed Construction Drawings 3.38 4.00 4.00 4.00 Utilize Adobe Illustrator 3.38 3.00 3.00 4.00 Develop and Adjust Patterns via CAD 3.30 4.00 4.00 6.00 Develop Flats or Technical Sketches 3.23 3.00 4.00 4.00 Determine Order of Operations for Various Garments and Levels of Quality

3.23 3.00 4.00 5.00

Scan Images/Documents 3.07 3.00 2.00 5.00 Develop Manufacturing Techniques for Garment Development

3.00 3.00 3.00 5.00




Mode Maintain an Appropriate Look 2.92 3.00 4.00 6.00 Word Process 2.92 3.00 3.00 6.00 Select Appropriate Fabrics for Individual Garment Development

2.92 3.00 2.00 5.00

Perform Textile Analysis or Testing 2.76 2.00 2.00 8.00 Develop Bill of Materials 2.69 3.00 3.00 5.00 Use Various Machine Types 2.69 3.00 2.00 5.00 Other CAD Software 2.69 2.00 2.00 5.00 Adjust Designs to Meet Price Points 2.61 3.00 3.00 6.00 Utilize Adobe Photoshop 2.53 2.00 2.00 7.00 Design Garments with Consideration of Appropriate Function

2.46 2.00 2.00 6.00

Possess a Good Portfolio 2.46 2.00 2.00 6.00





Mode Design Garments with Added Techniques to make Trends New & Different

2.23 2.00 2.00 8.00

Develop a Full Line Plan 2.23 2.00 2.00 8.00 Interpret Trends into Appropriate Market Segments

2.07 2.00 2.00 8.00

Design via Hand Illustration Techniques 2.07 2.00 2.00 6.00 Develop Trend Right & Appropriate Color Stories

2.07 2.00 2.00 6.00

Speak a Foreign Language 1.84 1.00 1.00 8.00

7 Year Industry 7 Year Industry ProjectionsProjections

Conclusions & Conclusions & RecommendationsRecommendations

Table 3. Industry Projections

Speed to Market


Mode There will continue to be increased competition to get trends to the market faster.

1.00 1.00 1.00 13.00

A movement in industry toward direct retail department stores or discount stores will continue.

1.07 1.00 1.00 12.00

The product development timeline will continue to decrease.

1.15 1.00 1.00 11.00

Retailers will be taking on more of the development processes to increase speed to market.

1.38 1.00 1.00 10.00

Note: N=13; Scale: 1=agree; 2=disagree; 3=no opinion



Technology Mean Median Mode # Selecting

Mode Web centric software will increase the direct contact between design, technical, planning, merchandising, and vendors.

1.00 1.00 1.00 13.00

More CAD will be required while freehand drawing will continue to decrease.

1.00 1.00 1.00 13.00

There will be a continued increase in the types of technologies available and how they can be applied to manufacturing processes.

1.00 1.00 1.00 13.00

Patterns will increasingly be sent by computer as opposed to paper patterns through postal mail.

1.07 1.00 1.00 12.00



Technology Mean Median Mode # Selecting

Mode Virtual models give a better visual of a design, how it will drape in various fabrics, and how proportions will look. This will eliminate the amount of protos being made and shorten the development time.

1.38 1.00 1.00 8.00

There will be continued advances in body scanning and how it will help a company better understand the body they are trying to fit.

1.46 1.00 1.00 9.00

Communication will be completed via more video conferencing and phone conferencing.

1.61 1.00 1.00 7.00

Heat seal labels will be required on everything possible. 1.69 2.00 1.00 6.00



Business Practices

Mean Median Mode

# Selecting

Mode Apparel Production will continue in low/no quota, non-English speaking countries.

1.00 1.00 1.00 13.00

New manufacturing areas will continue to develop in Asia. 1.00 1.00 1.00 13.00 Manufacturing in China will continue to grow. 1.00 1.00 1.00 13.00 Current domestic roles of sourcing and product development will continue to merge.

1.07 1.00 1.00 12.00

More and more processes will be done over seas closer to the factories in order to shorten the development and production cycle.

1.15 1.00 1.00 11.00

Continued competition to improve fit and quality. 1.15 1.00 1.00 11.00 Continued mergers and buyouts. 1.15 1.00 1.00 12.00


Business Practices

Mean Median Mode

# Selecting

Mode Technical specifications and pattern making will be completed by the factories.

1.23 1.00 1.00 10.00

Patterns will come from outside vendors and will require fit adjustments.

1.23 1.00 1.00 10.00

Fewer patterns will be made in house by Tech Designers. 1.30 1.00 1.00 10.00 Increased emphasis on basics (core) as opposed to fashion garments (specialty).

1.30 1.00 1.00 9.00

There will a movement of placing designers overseas for quick product development turnaround.

1.38 1.00 1.00 9.00

A requirement will develop to get fit, construction, and design correct on the first prototype.

1.46 1.00 1.00 7.00



Business Practices

Mean Median Mode

# Selecting

Mode All production will be overseas in the next seven years. 1.61 2.00 2.00 8.00 Design and technical design skills will remain much the same as they are now but with much emphasis on non- verbal communication.

1.61 2.00 2.00 8.00

Fewer vendors that offer more styles will be utilized by domestic business partners.

1.69 2.00 1.00 6.00

There will be less focus on manufacturing, getting into factories and reviewing products, and more focus on the development of the product.

1.69 2.00 2.00 9.00

The workplace will become more formal. 1.84 2.00 2.00 9.00 Note: N=13; Scale: 1=agree; 2=disagree; 3=no opinion


Price Competitiveness Mean Median Mode

# Selecting

Mode Continued requirement for more value added in a garment at less cost.

1.00 1.00 1.00 13.00

Technical designers will be required to find cheaper ways of constructing a garment to achieve designers "trend" look while maintaining product quality that is competitive with other brands and labels.

1.07 1.00 1.00 12.00

Consumers will want to pay less and less with each season. 1.23 1.00 1.00 10.00 There will be less of an emphasis on fit due to cost constraints of “fitted” garment construction.

1.69 2.00 2.00 9.00


7 Year Predictions: Overall 7 Year Predictions: Overall ConclusionsConclusions

7 Year Predictions indicate7 Year Predictions indicate

Technical Technical Designers:Designers:Future Future Knowledge Knowledge RequirementsRequirements

Table 4. Projected Competency Level of Knowledge Required for Technical Design

Mean Median Mode

# Selecting

Mode Garment Construction Methods for Efficiency and Application

3.46 4.00 4.00 7.00

Pattern Grading Methods 3.15 3.00 4.00 5.00 Understanding of Development Process Calendar 3.15 3.00 2.00, 3.00

& 4.00 4.00 each

Business Process 3.15 3.00 2.00 & 4.00

5.00 each

Understanding of Manufacturing Equipment and Associated Limitations

3.15 3.00 2.00 5.00

Note: N=13; Scale: 5 = expert level of knowledge, 4 = high level ofknowledge, 3 = moderate level of knowledge, 2 = basic level of knowledge, and 1 = no knowledge required



Mean Median Mode

# Selecting

Mode Understanding of Global Market 3.00 3.00 2.00 5.00 Product Life Cycles 3.00 3.00 2.00 5.00 Product and Component Sourcing 2.92 2.00 2.00 7.00 Product Costing 2.84 3.00 2.00 6.00 Understand Appropriate Repeat for Textile Print Designs

2.84 2.00 2.00 5.00

Fabric Production 2.84 2.00 2.00 6.00 Cost Margin Application 2.76 3.00 2.00 5.00



Mean Median Mode

# Selecting

Mode Fabric Performance or Characteristics 2.61 3.00 3.00 &

4.00 5.00 each

Line Planning vs. Cost Structure 2.61 3.00 2.00 & 3.00

6.00 each

Understand Competition, Trend, and Product Research

2.61 2.00 2.00 7.00

Second Language 2.07 2.00 1.00 6.00 Mandarin 1.84 1.00 1.00 8.00 Cantonese 1.84 1.00 1.00 8.00

Technical Technical Designers:Designers:Future Skill Future Skill RequirementsRequirements

Note: N=13; Scale: 5 = expert level of skill, 4 = high level ofskill, 3 = moderate level of skill, 2 = basic level of skill, and 1 = no skill required

Table 5. Projected Competency Level of Skill Required for Technical Design


Mode Complete Duties Quickly with Attention to Detail 4.07 5.00 5.00 7.00 Communicate with Vendors via E-mail 3.92 4.00 4.00 6.00 Prioritization 3.84 4.00 5.00 5.00 Accurate Verbal Communication 3.84 4.00 4.00 5.00 Develop Clear and Accurate Specifications 3.76 4.00 5.00 5.00 Develop Detailed Construction Drawings 3.76 4.00 4.00 6.00 Interpret Others Technical Drawings 3.76 4.00 4.00 6.00 Communicate Garment Design, Fit Changes via Pictures and Technical Drawings

3.76 4.00 4.00 5.00




Mode Develop Detailed Technical Drawings 3.69 4.00 4.00 7.00 Apply Problem Solving Techniques 3.69 4.00 4.00 6.00 Accepting of Change 3.69 4.00 4.00 6.00 To Travel in Countries where English is a Second Language

3.69 3.00 2.00 & 3.00 4.00 each

Use Product Lifecycle Management Software 3.61 4.00 4.00 & 5.00 4.00 each Proper Business Etiquette 3.61 4.00 4.00 5.00 Accurate Written Communication 3.53 4.00 5.00 6.00




Mode Maintain Designer Vision in Developing Garments Under Cost Considerations

3.46 4.00 4.00 5.00

Perform in Multiple Areas of the Product Life Cycle 3.46 4.00 4.00 4.00 Utilize Adobe Illustrator 3.38 4.00 4.00 5.00 Pattern Making 3.30 4.00 4.00 6.00 Be a Creative/Holistic Thinker 3.30 3.00 3.00 7.00 Pattern Grading 3.07 3.00 4.00 6.00 Maintain Appropriate Look 3.00 4.00 4.00 7.00 Complete Internship with Practical Hands-on Experience

3.00 3.00 2.00, 3.00 & 4.00

3.00 each




Mode Ability to Utilize Same Greige Good for Different Product Designs

2.76 3.00 2.00 4.00

Utilize Adobe Photoshop 2.61 2.00 2.00 6.00 Develop Trend Right Garments for Less Money 2.53 2.00 2.00 & 4.00 4.00 each Design within a Price Range 2.30 2.00 2.00 6.00 Ability to Develop Full Product Lines vs. Single Garments

2.30 2.00 2.00 6.00

Designing via Hand Illustration Techniques 1.84 2.00 2.00 6.00

Comparison of Comparison of Current & Current & Projected Projected Knowledge Knowledge RequirementsRequirements

Table 6. Comparison of Knowledge Requirements for Technical Designers Current Requirement Mean Median Mode

Projected Requirement Mean Median Mode

Garment Feature Terminology

3.61 4.00 3.00 & 5.00

How a Pattern Shape Relates to Body Shape

3.61 4.00 4.00

Stitches and Seams 3.61 4.00 4.00 How to Communicate with Overseas Vendors

3.61 4.00 4.00

Order of Operations 3.46 4.00 4.00 Garment Construction Methods for Efficiency and Application

3.46 4.00 4.00





Identify Fabric, Fibers, Properties, Construction, etc.

3.30 3.00 4.00 Pattern Grading Methods

3.15 3.00 4.00

Manufacturing Techniques

3.30 3.00 4.00 Understanding of Development Process Calendar

3.15 3.00 2.00, 3.00 &

4.00

Finishing Techniques

3.23 4.00 4.00 Business Process 3.15 3.00 2.00 & 4.00

Product Life Cycle

3.15 4.00 4.00 Understanding of Manufacturing Equipment and Associated Limitations

3.15 3.00 2.00

Findings and Trims 3.07 3.00 4.00 Understanding of Global Market

3.00 3.00 2.00

Silhouette Terminology

3.07 3.00 3.00

Fabric Analysis or Textile Testing Techniques

3.07 3.00 3.00




Machine Types 3.00 3.00 3.00 Product Life Cycles

3.00 3.00 2.00

Quality vs. Cost 2.92 3.00 2.00 & 3.00

Product and Component Sourcing

2.92 2.00 2.00

Print and Dye Techniques

2.84 3.00 2.00 Product Costing 2.84 3.00 2.00

Global Product Sourcing

2.76 3.00 4.00 Understand Appropriate Repeat for Textile Print Designs

2.84 2.00 2.00

Understanding of Fabric Care Methods

2.69 2.00 2.00 Fabric Production

2.84 2.00 2.00




Develop Textile Prints, Yarn Dye Print, or Graphics

2.69 2.00 2.00 Cost Margin Application

2.76 3.00 2.00

Communicate Textile Print, Yarn Dye Print or Graphic Changes to Vendor

2.69 2.00 2.00

Understand how a Corporate Calendar is Developed

2.61 3.00 2.00 & 3.00

Fabric Performance or Characteristics

2.61 3.00 3.00 & 4.00

Cost Margins 2.61 3.00 2.00 & 3.00

Line Planning vs. Cost Structure

2.61 3.00 2.00 & 3.00




Brands vs. Labels 2.61 2.00 2.00 Understand Competition, Trend, and Product Research

2.61 2.00 2.00

Basic Financial Principles

2.46 2.00 2.00 & 3.00

Line Plan Development

2.46 2.00 2.00

Color Relationships 2.46 2.00 2.00 Second

Language 2.07 2.00 1.00

Foreign Language 1.84 1.00 1.00 Mandarin 1.84 1.00 1.00 Mandarin 1.76 1.00 1.00 Cantonese 1.84 1.00 1.00 Cantonese 1.76 1.00 1.00

Comparison of Comparison of Current & Current & Projected Projected Skill Skill RequirementsRequirements


Table 7. Comparison of Level of Skill Required for Technical Designers Current Skill Mean Median Mode Projected Skill Mean Median Mode

Possess an Attention to Detail

4.00 4.00 5.00 Complete Duties Quickly with Attention to Detail

4.07 5.00 5.00

Multi-task 3.92 4.00 5.00 Remain Organized 3.92 4.00 4.00 &

5.00 Communicate with Vendors via E- mail

3.92 4.00 4.00

Work Under Pressure & Keep to Deadlines

3.84 4.00 4.00 & 5.00

Communicate in Writing

3.84 4.00 4.00 Prioritization 3.84 4.00 5.00

Eager to Learn 3.84 4.00 4.00 Accurate Verbal Communication

3.84 4.00 4.00

Grade Patterns 3.84 3.00 4.00



Read Specifications 3.76 4.00 5.00 Develop Clear and Accurate Specifications

3.76 4.00 5.00

Possess a Good Attitude

3.76 4.00 4.00 Develop Detailed Construction Drawings

3.76 4.00 4.00

Be Flexible 3.76 4.00 4.00 Interpret Others Technical Drawings

3.76 4.00 4.00

Learn Quickly and Efficiently

3.76 4.00 4.00 Communicate Garment Design, Fit Changes via Pictures and Technical Drawings

3.76 4.00 4.00

Participate in Teamwork

3.76 4.00 4.00

Possess a Level of Dedication

3.76 4.00 4.00

Develop Patterns via Draping Techniques

3.76 2.00 2.00 & 4.00



Understand how the Measurements Relate to the Pattern

3.69 4.00 4.00 Develop Detailed Technical Drawings

3.69 4.00 4.00

Write Specifications

3.69 4.00 4.00 Apply Problem Solving Techniques

3.69 4.00 4.00

Evaluate Specifications

3.69 4.00 4.00 Accepting of Change

3.69 4.00 4.00

Utilize Email (Outlook)

3.69 4.00 4.00 To Travel in Countries where English is a Second Language

3.69 3.00 2.00 &

3.00



Open to Feedback 3.69 4.00 4.00 Apply Problem Solving Techniques

3.69 4.00 4.00

Communicate Verbally

3.61 4.00 4.00 Use Product Lifecycle Management Software

3.61 4.00 4.00 &

5.00

Perform Mathematical Functions (Fractions)

3.61 4.00 3.00 & 4.00

Proper Business Etiquette

3.61 4.00 4.00

Develop and Adjust Patterns via Flat Pattern Techniques

3.53 4.00 4.00 Accurate Written Communication

3.53 4.00 5.00



How to Balance a Pattern

3.53 4.00 4.00

Use Patterns Skills to make Adjustments to Fit

3.53 4.00 4.00

Perform Garment Fit Analysis

3.53 4.00 4.00

Determine Appropriate Stitches and Seams for Individual garment types

3.53 4.00 4.00



Develop Graded Points of Measure

3.46 4.00 4.00 Maintain Designer Vision in Developing Garments Under Cost Considerations

3.46 4.00 4.00

Use of Product Data Management or Product Lifecycle Management Software

3.46 4.00 4.00 Perform in Multiple Areas of the Product Life Cycle

3.46 4.00 4.00

Develop Spreadsheets

3.46 4.00 4.00

Develop Detailed Construction Drawings

3.38 4.00 4.00 Utilize Adobe Illustrator

3.38 4.00 4.00



Utilize Adobe Illustrator

3.38 3.00 3.00

Develop and Adjust Patterns via CAD Patterning Systems

3.30 4.00 4.00 Pattern Making 3.30 4.00 4.00

Develop Flats or Technical Sketches

3.23 3.00 4.00 Be a Creative Or Holistic Thinker

3.30 3.00 3.00

Determine Order of Operations for Various Garments and Levels of Quality

3.23 3.00 4.00



Scan Images or Documents

3.07 3.00 2.00 Pattern Grading 3.07 3.00 4.00

Develop Manufacturing Techniques for Garment Development

3.00 3.00 3.00 Maintain Appropriate Look

3.00 4.00 4.00

Maintain an Appropriate Look

2.92 3.00 4.00 Complete Internship with Practical Hands-on Experience

3.00 3.00 2.00, 3.00 &

4.00 Word Process 2.92 3.00 3.00 Select Appropriate Fabrics for Individual Garment Development

2.92 3.00 2.00


Table 7. Comparison of Level of Skill Required for Technical Designers

Current Skill Mean Median Mode Projected Skill Mean Median Mode Perform Textile Analysis or Textile Testing

2.76 2.00 2.00 Ability to Utilize Same Greige Good for Different Product Designs

2.76 3.00 2.00

Develop Bill of Materials

2.69 3.00 3.00

Use Various Machine Types

2.69 3.00 2.00

Other CAD Software

2.69 2.00 2.00

Adjust Designs to Meet Price Points

2.61 3.00 3.00 Utilize Adobe Photoshop

2.61 2.00 2.00



Current Skill Mean Median Mode Projected Skill Mean Median Mode Utilize Adobe Photoshop

2.53 2.00 2.00 Develop Trend Right Garments for Less Money

2.53 2.00 2.00 &

4.00 Design Garments with Consideration of Appropriate Function

2.46 2.00 2.00

Possess a Good Portfolio

2.46 2.00 2.00

Design Garments with Added Techniques to make Trends New & Different

2.23 2.00 2.00 Design within a Price Range

2.30 2.00 2.00



Current Skill Mean Median Mode Projected Skill Mean Median Mode Develop a Full Line Plan

2.23 2.00 2.00 Ability to Develop Full Product Lines vs. Single Garments

2.30 2.00 2.00

Interpret Trends into Appropriate Market Segments

2.07 2.00 2.00

Design via Hand Illustration Techniques

2.07 2.00 2.00

Develop Trend Right & Appropriate Color Stories

2.07 2.00 2.00

Speak a Foreign Language

1.84 1.00 1.00 Designing via Hand Illustration Techniques

1.84 2.00 2.00

Projected Changes for Technical Projected Changes for Technical DesignersDesigners

Conclusions Overall…Conclusions Overall…

Therefore….Therefore….

Graduates of apparel programs need to be mature, responsible individuals that possess an overall understanding of industry processes and technologies and possess ability to apply only moderately developed skills to daily tasks required of specific organizations within the apparel industry.

Curriculum DevelopmentCurriculum Development

Recommendations for Recommendations for ReplicationReplication

Final Thoughts…Final Thoughts…

technical designers: what they need to know now and in the future dr. gindy j. neidermyer program...

Documents

expert level of knowledge

high level of knowledge

moderate level of knowledge

basic level of knowledge

knowledge requirednote

cover letter

participatepostal letter

internal stakeholders