Testing and Evaluation

Testing the Design. During the development of a new product, designers are constantly testing and evaluating their ideas to identify and suggest areas for improvement and refinement. They use a variety of techniques and methods to achieve this.

Toile and Toile again!!! Paper models Patterns Mock ups Prototypes All are tested regularly against the requirements of the specification.

Such tests evaluate Size Strength Weight Etc Physical Tests Such tests evaluate Size Strength Weight Etc

What Tests? Ergonomics. Dermatological. Colour fast – wash and wear. Strength and durability.

What Tests? Ergonomics Dermatological. Weathering. Strength and durability of fabric and construction.

Such tests question appropriateness of; Matter of Opinion Such tests question appropriateness of; Ease of use Ergonomics Colour Texture Etc

What Tests? Whether the colours and patterns are co-ordinated or contrasting. Whether the three different fabrics compliment each other in texture and weight.

What Tests? Whether the use of the same colour in three different fabrics work together. Whether the components of the outfit are varied in intensity of detail.

Prototypes Models, mock ups and prototypes are often made in different sizes and materials to the final product. Sometimes only specific parts of a product are modelled in order to test out specific parts of a design. ICT is often used a great deal in the collection, to analyse and present information.

Setting the Standards. Materials and products need to be trialled in order to see how they perform against set standards. These tests are usually factual and numerical, for example; The garment stretched no more than 2 mm. The colour faded 2% after 10 washes.

The results are recorded and compared against the set standards. It is then possible to assess how efficient the materials and products are. Testing and evaluation are carried out at every stage of the design process.

Samples Samples of textile products are made up and trialled before batch production, testing; Pattern cutting – shape and style. Design features – pockets, collars, cuffs… Sizing and grading for different proportions.

In addition… Decisions about materials components and colour ranges. Product costing and alterations that can reduce cost. Best construction methods and organisation. Wearing, washing and ironing and ergonomics.

? You have been asked to design a figure hugging evening dress. You need in groups of five to consider the appropriateness of fabrics on both factual and opinion based matters.

Fact ? Washability. Flammability. Stain removal. Stretch resistance. Effects of bleach. Effects of steam iron and dry heat.

Fact ? Is it breathable. Does it have the right amount of give for movement. How is the texture against the skin. Are the colours and textures appropriate.