Designing a garment using traditional methods of 2D design is challenging. Because 2D designs are flat layouts and hard to visualize on a real human body. Also, it has no real-time collaboration, it cannot be integrated into the PLM phases, it is not possible to use 3D assets and avatars, and designers cannot get a 360-degree view of the design. With the advent of technology, designers are able to automate the design process, enable real-time collaboration, and view their designs in 360-degree using 3D fashion design software.
This software will help create virtual garments on a digital human model and simulate true-to-life garments in 3D. The Industry Global News reports that the global 3D fashion design software market is expected to reach US$ 1.2 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 9.2% over the forecast period. The virtual prototyping technology evaluates garments before they are made, reducing rework and accelerating the product development process.
The 3D fashion design software can generate garment patterns and markers from virtual design to minimize waste. The use of 3D in the entire product lifecycle management boosts productivity, minimizes lead time, creates diversified and complex garments design quickly, makes it easier to create and edit, reduces overall cost, and transforms future garments designing processes.
In this article, let’s explore the impact of 3D on various phases of the product lifecycle.
1. Concept Creation – Product Design
Product design is a critical part of the garment development process. It helps in collecting the details such as dimensions, fabrics, or trims to be used. The software eliminates human error and increases productivity & efficiency. Moreover, it helps designers easily render 3D designs, make multiple iterations, or communicate their ideas to the production team without any challenges.
2. Virtual Sampling
3D software modernizes the sample-development process to save time and money and helps brands to respond quickly to customer trends and buyer demand. The 3D fashion software eases the process as the designers can make adjustments and see instant changes without the need to create a new sample. The software can display different materials and their unique characteristics. Additionally, designers can save virtual samples in the form of images. The software allows designers to experiment with unlimited colors, prints, etc. so that consumers can choose the right version of the design. The samples can further be shared with stakeholders, fit technicians, and executives to evaluate the design before it is cut.
3. Testing – Seasonal Line Reviews
Seasonal line reviews of the 3D assets can be done on the software. The 3D software helps review the entire set of products in the form of images or 3D views in milestone meetings. These reviews and feedback will help designers to create and refine a clothing section before sending the tech packs for creating physical samples.
4. Manufacturing – Tech packs created from 3D assets
A technical package or tech pack is a detailed blueprint of the garment provided to the manufacturer to create the required design. It is a document that includes the product summary, technical drawing, measurements, product colorways, care instructions, bill of materials, 3D images & assets, and comments & feedback. The 3D images and assets are created using the 3D fashion design software. Additionally, it also includes other 3D assets like materials and components that will be shared with the vendors.
5. Marketing
Virtual renderings using 3D technology can be used for marketing & sales. The 3D product renderings can be pushed to B2C eCommerce sites. Then, apparel PLM software can help brands, retailers, and manufacturers connect their 3D assets with these eCommerce platforms. Additionally, 3D helps in gaining market feedback prior to mass marketing. Designers, brands, or retailers can exhibit their 3D designs on social media to get feedback or funding before building the physical products.
Conclusion
3D helps visualize how the garment looks like and analyze what, how, and where to sell the product. It has a huge impact on the entire product lifecycle development as it saves time & money, enhances productivity & efficiency, and contributes toward a sustainable environment.
If you’re someone looking to explore more about 3D fashion design software for product development, then get in touch with us for a free consultation. Reach out to us at: contactus@govisetech.com
