A collaborative apparel new product development process model using virtual reality and augmented reality technologies as enablers

Abstract

This study presents a collaborative new product development (NPD) process model that accommodates different perspectives of stakeholders in an apparel value chain and expedites robust new product outcomes. Advanced technologies are demanded to establish such collaborative NPD process models. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have become prominent in product realisation during this process, to evaluate multiple alternatives. The study proposes a twofold approach where, in the first phase, a qualitative study was carried out to evaluate the viewpoint of value stream collaborators to study the potential opportunities and limitations of applying VR and AR in NPD process. In the second phase, a quantitative study was carried out to assess the apparel consumers' awareness on VR or AR applications, perceptions on such technologies, and intention to use such technologies in the context of apparel business. Data collection consisted of 10 in-depth interviews with experts in the industry and 94 survey responses from apparel consumers in the United Kingdom. It is concluded that VR and AR technologies will be enablers for NPD's success in the apparel industry in providing quick responses to consumers to enhance the performance of the new products.

Computer-Aided Design of Fine Art Graphics Based on Virtual Reality Technology

“…This step will directly affect the physical characteristics of subsequent simulation and the display effect in the actual display. Silva et al [9] developed a classical method for the physical simulation of textile fabrics, namely the mass spring model. Figures 2 and 3 are the reference diagrams of his proposed model.…”

An Augmented Reality-Based Simulation Guide for Apparel Assembly

“…These examples demonstrate the applicability of AR technology in different manufacturing processes at different stages. AR is emerging in most of the manufacturing industries, and very limited applications can be identified in the apparel industry [7], [17]. One of the successful implementations of AR was AR fashion mirror in apparel retail business [2].…”

“…This system has currently established at leading fashion stores to support a customized method for clothes shopping. Nevertheless, apparel industry adopts these state-of-the-art technologies in very slow phase [7], this study fills that gap by initiating the use of AR to improve the quality of overall product development process.…”

“…Therefore, advanced digital technologies are demanded to establish legitimate information system to minimize product design to manufacturing errors [6]. Out of which, Augmented Reality (AR) applications are utilized in complex assembly, maintenance, expert support systems, quality assurance and automation [7]. The integration of digital and physical experiences is creating new ways for different manufacturing disciplines to proliferate their productivity and effectiveness [8].…”

Designing a Poultry Barn: A Collaborative Design Approach Using Virtual Reality

“…With the advancement in digital technologies, we are now employing new digital technologies while developing products. Technologies such as Cloud [17], [18] and [19], Deep Learning [20], [21], [22] and [23], Virtual Reality [24], [25], [26], [27] and [28], Augmented Reality [29], [30], [31], [32] and [33] and Mixed reality [34], [35], [36], [37] and [38] are widely used at different stages of product development. Customer data from various sources especially those from the internet [39], [40], [41], [42], [43], [44] and [45] are extensively used in NPD.…”