An investigation of design management applications in the textiles and apparel industries

Abstract

This study is concerned with identifying and classifying the design management research approaches and concepts focusing on the textiles and clothing industries. This is to illustrate areas of study that textile design researchers have addressed. Three primary levels of design management were the basis of this study, namely, strategic, tactical, and operational levels. The approach and methodology adopted in several research studies were reviewed and then classification was carried out. It was found that strategic-level studies focused on consumers’ needs, preferences, perceptions, and collection of design information. The tactical/processes level reflected areas of staff development, and the creation of tools, systems, and frameworks employed in production stages. Developing knowledge systems resources and mass customization to meet consumer needs were highlighted in these research studies. At the operational/implementation level, research studies were focused on actions conducted in day-to-day operations such as chemical and physical techniques used in manufacturing processes and quality control. Keywords: Apparel, consumer, design, management, strategic, tactical, textiles;