An Integrated Printed Textile Design and Apparel Product Development Process

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to acquire information about the textile print design process as it is executed at apparel companies who design and develop printed fabrics internally for their seasonal lines. Technologies used by apparel companies in the textile print design process were also surveyed.

The sample consisted of nine companies who design and develop printed fabrics internally to be used in their seasonal apparel lines. Using a case study approach, company representatives were interviewed via the telephone. The data from each respondent company was organized by process steps and technologies used, and translated into a graphical representation. The graphical representations from all companies were compared for similarities and differences and consolidated into a graphical representation. The graphic representation of the textile print design process at an apparel company was then integrated into the No-interval Coherently Phased Product Development Process for Apparel by May-Plumlee and Little (1998). The result was a framework that serves as a theoretical foundation for academic research in the integration of the apparel design and textile print design processes, and a model for practioners.