Shifting workflow practices with implementation of AI in design in apparel and fashion
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Zou, Yixin
Childs, Peter
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Design has conventionally been associated with
iterative phases of requirements capture, ideation, concept development, stakeholder engagement, detailing and prototyping. The advent of widespread use of AI has challenged workflows in various industrial sectors including fashion and apparel. Practitioners can
explore a wide range of concepts within moments of conception using generative design tools and expose these to stakeholder evaluation, short-cutting formerly laborious phases of detailing and focus group formation. In addition, use can be made of a wide range of CAD tools for pattern production, further accelerating the product cycle. The arising workflow can now occur at a pace allowing rapid exploration of concepts and their potential market acceptance whereby concepts
can be evaluated prior to commitment of significant resources. This shifts perspectives in an industry where concepts were formerly developed based on speculative approaches or attempts to form a future market with commitment of many person months or years of effort prior to release of the product. Now, ideas can be formulated and their potential evaluated on a time scale of days compatible with influencing the concept and concept team workflow. This paper explores conceptual design development for a range of garments ranging from contemporary teenage fashion to maxi dress design and sportswear. The arising insights have potential to inform design studio and industrial practice across the sector.
iterative phases of requirements capture, ideation, concept development, stakeholder engagement, detailing and prototyping. The advent of widespread use of AI has challenged workflows in various industrial sectors including fashion and apparel. Practitioners can
explore a wide range of concepts within moments of conception using generative design tools and expose these to stakeholder evaluation, short-cutting formerly laborious phases of detailing and focus group formation. In addition, use can be made of a wide range of CAD tools for pattern production, further accelerating the product cycle. The arising workflow can now occur at a pace allowing rapid exploration of concepts and their potential market acceptance whereby concepts
can be evaluated prior to commitment of significant resources. This shifts perspectives in an industry where concepts were formerly developed based on speculative approaches or attempts to form a future market with commitment of many person months or years of effort prior to release of the product. Now, ideas can be formulated and their potential evaluated on a time scale of days compatible with influencing the concept and concept team workflow. This paper explores conceptual design development for a range of garments ranging from contemporary teenage fashion to maxi dress design and sportswear. The arising insights have potential to inform design studio and industrial practice across the sector.
Date Acceptance
2026-02-27
Citation
International Journal of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
ISSN
2575-3150
Publisher
Science Publishing Group
Journal / Book Title
International Journal of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Copyright Statement
Copyright This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
License URL
Identifier
http://10.0.20.161/zenodo.18843149
Publication Status
Accepted
Date Publish Online
2026-02-27