Virtual Apparel Research Articles

Development of a dedicated process simulator for the digital twin in apparel manufacturing: a case study

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to introduce a dedicated simulator to automatically generate and simulate a balanced apparel assembly line, which is critical to the digital twin concept in apparel manufacturing. Given the low automation level in apparel manufacturing, this is a first step toward the implementation of a smart factory based on cyber-physical systems.Design/methodology/approachThe mixed task assignment algorithm was implemented to automatically generate a module-based apparel assembly line in the developed simulator. To validate the developed simulator, a case study was conducted using process analysis data of technical jackets obtained from an apparel manufacturer. The case study included three scenarios: calculating the number of workers, selecting orders based on factory capacity and managing unexpected worker absences.FindingsThe developed simulator is approximately 97.2% accurate in assigning appropriate tasks to workstations using the mixed task assignment algorithm. The simulator was also found to be effective in supporting decision-making for production planning, order selection and apparel assembly line management. In addition, the module-based line generation algorithm made it easy to modify the assembly line.Originality/valueThis study contributes a novel approach to address the challenge of low automation levels in apparel manufacturing by introducing a dedicated simulator. This dedicated simulator improves the efficiency of virtual apparel assembly line generation and simulation, which distinguishes it from existing commercial simulation software.

The Genesis Effect: Digital Goods in the Metaverse

Abstract This research shows that although the used and unused versions of a digital good (e.g., virtual apparel) are identical in every pixel and functionality, consumers tend to prefer the unused version. This “genesis effect” occurs because consumers tend to perceive used (vs. unused) digital goods as virtually contaminated and because being permanently listed as the first (vs. subsequent) owner in the ownership record can confer a greater sense of status. Specifically, in study 1, analyses of large-scale field data on purchases of digital goods in the metaverse showed that consumers paid substantially more to acquire the unused (vs. used) version of the same good. Studies 2–4 causally demonstrated the genesis effect and its underlying mechanism across metaverse product categories—participants were less likely to purchase digital goods described as used (vs. unused). Virtual contamination and virtual status jointly mediated the effect. Furthermore, being the first—at the genesis of a digital product’s usage history—was particularly special, such that participants were less sensitive to increases in the number of prior owners after the first one. Finally, showing participants that a used good had been digitally reconstituted attenuated the genesis effect. These findings add to the literature on consumer behavior in the metaverse and offer managerial insights on digital goods marketing.

Factors Influencing the Establishment of Clothing Retailers in the Metaverse: The Role of Metaverse Technology as a Mediator

The metaverse is a virtual environment where people may interact with one another via avatars. As the metaverse has gained in popularity over the last several years, the retail industry has indicated an interest in using it for product promotion and sales. However, opening a clothes store in the metaverse has unique challenges, and prospective investors should keep a few things in mind. This study aimed to uncover the factors that led Dubai investors to create a virtual apparel brand for sale online. Independent factors were creativity, safety, and confidentiality. The advent of Dubai's Metaverse clothes store was the dependent variable, while the technology enabling the metaverse was the mediator. The study used a quantitative methodology, including a survey questionnaire. For demographic and structural equation modeling objectives, we employed SPSS and AMOS software. The mediator variable was shown to be significantly affected by all independent factors, according to data from a survey of 398 participants. The successful debut of apparel in the metaverse in Dubai may be primarily attributed to the metaverse's cutting-edge technological innovations in security and privacy. Customers may be unwilling to provide personal information or engage in virtual transactions if they do not trust the safety of their data in the metaverse; thus, these issues must be addressed. Investors should prioritize developing private and secure metaverse technologies to win users' confidence. The findings call attention to the absence of study in this area and provide valuable insight into the factors contributing to the success of retail clothes launches in the metaverse. When taken as a whole, this study paves the way for more investigation into the metaverse and its possible implications on the retail industry in Dubai.

Why do people buy apparel in the virtual world? The influence of cool and interactivity on purchase intentions

The meta-universe notion is regularly introduced in the digital era, and meta-universe virtual apparel has become a new trend with the growth of Internet technology. With highly tailored, technological, and intelligent properties, virtual clothing can imitate the digital environment in digital form. Based on self-presentation theory, this research investigates these elements and provides a conceptual model, followed by an empirical test utilizing samples from a questionnaire survey. The findings show that cool and interactivity have a substantial influence on purchase intention for virtual apparel. And online self-presentation desire plays a mediating role. On this ground, it is proposed that the virtual world creates an environment of new and trendy social interaction.

Teaching virtual apparel technology through industry collaboration: an assessment of pedagogical process and outcomes

ABSTRACT Graduates of apparel programmes are entering a workforce that requires the use of emerging technologies that are relevant to performing job requirements. Among apparel companies, virtual technologies are increasingly being used in the product development process. Virtual technologies are also becoming important in higher education, as programmes seek to incorporate them into the teaching and learning environment. The two-fold purpose of this study was to develop an approach to teaching virtual technology that is apparel industry-specific, and to evaluate outcomes using a framework of learner-centered curriculum design combined with Kirkpatrick’s [(1994). Evaluating training programs. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler] training evaluation model. A mixed-methods research design was employed, beginning with a presentation to students followed by two weeks of in-class training. Assessment of outcomes was conducted via pre- and post-test comparisons and in-depth interviews. Results indicated improvement in students’ attitudes toward the technology and skills important to using it. Findings contribute to the growing literature on teaching virtual technology.

The Application of Big Data in the Fashion Industry

Smart wardrobe is a new concept designed to bring about virtual apparel management through computers and the Internet. With convenient apparel, convenient apparel replacement, intuitive live-action simulation, combined with the stylish messages, design companies, brand companies, and fashion consumers for the apparel industry, it will provide for goods resolving plans and fashion consulting services.

An Exploratory Study of Interaction Patterns around the Use of Virtual Apparel Design and Try-on Technology

In this exploratory study, three-dimensional (3D) virtual design and try-on technologies were investigated using 3D body-scan avatars (virtual human bodies). Such technology offers the possibility of allowing consumers to become involved as co-designers in the design process, with possible sustainability implications on how the clothing is valued and used. Eight apparel design students each designed garments to be worn for a semi-special event. Participants were scanned using the Human Solutions Vitus XXL 3D body scanner to create their own virtual avatar. These virtual personal fit models were then imported into the Optitex system to be used for the digital garment-creation process. Participants also viewed a short video as a part of the methodology on the environmental impact of current practices of apparel design, production, use, and discard.The qualitative nature of this study enabled an in-depth analysis of participants’ interactions with virtual design and fit technology and their perceptions of digitally created garments, along with issues related to sustainable consumption. Future work will include observing interaction patterns of different user groups.

Study on the Design of Virtual Apparel Fitting System and the Application of Motion Capture Technology in Electronic Commerce

According to the users needs of online virtual apparel fitting, the paper emphasize on the analysis about construction method and improved technology of 3D virtual apparel fitting interactive platform, design and implement with realistic 3D effect function. According to the reality of peoples choice, psychological and behavioral characteristics of trying on clothes, we study and put forward the targeted solutions. From dynamic customizations of the human body, clothing, the fitting and interactive control of several major aspects such as design, we design and develop a similar to the real life of 3D virtual apparel fitting system. The users experience new stereo feeling. We provide a new Internet marketing mode for clothing enterprises. Mainly we do the following: Firstly Design of 3D virtual apparel fitting network structure. Secondly, Using motion analysis method, exploring the possibilities of the motion capture technology, the real action is added to the 3D models.

Study on the Design of Virtual Apparel Fitting System and the Application of Motion Capture Technology in Electronic Commerce

According to the users needs of online virtual apparel fitting, the paper emphasize on the analysis about construction method and improved technology of 3D virtual apparel fitting interactive platform, design and implement with realistic 3D effect function. According to the reality of peoples choice, psychological and behavioral characteristics of trying on clothes, we study and put forward the targeted solutions. From dynamic customizations of the human body, clothing, the fitting and interactive control of several major aspects such as design, we design and develop a similar to the real life of 3D virtual apparel fitting system. The users experience new stereo feeling. We provide a new Internet marketing mode for clothing enterprises. Mainly we do the following: Firstly Design of 3D virtual apparel fitting network structure. Secondly, Using motion analysis method, exploring the possibilities of the motion capture technology, the real action is added to the 3D models.

What if your avatar looks like you? dual congruity perspectives for avatar use

As broadband Internet access and virtual reality technology rapidly expand, virtual worlds and three-dimensional avatars will become more pervasive and widely adopted. In virtual worlds, people assume an identity as an avatar and interact with each other. The objective of this study is to theorize how users form attitudes and intentions regarding avatars in realistic, task-focused virtual world settings. To investigate these effects, this study proposes a conceptual framework based on dual-congruity perspectives (self-congruity and functional congruity). The results show that the more closely an avatar resembles its user, the more the user is likely to have positive attitudes (e.g., affection, connection, and passion) toward the avatar, and the better able to evaluate the quality and performance of apparel products. In the end, these positive attitudes toward an avatar and its usefulness positively affect users' intentions to use the avatar. Based on this study, we propose that avatars representing users' actual appearance may be helpful in experiencing and evaluating some business areas related to users' lives in the real world (e.g., virtual apparel shopping, matchmaking, plastic surgery, fitness clubs, etc.); utilization of such avatars may be a new business opportunity likely to thrive in virtual worlds.

TRIZ in 3D Garment CAD

The 40 inventive principles of TRIZ are useful methods for solving engineering design problem. 3D garment CAD is significant for improve the efficiency and level of fashion design. This article describes the application of these principles of TRIZ in three-dimensional garment CAD. Based on the characteristics and requirements of fashion design, the author analyze the basic meaning of these inventive principles, and use them in the research and application three-dimensional garment CAD, such as decomposition and combination of virtual apparel components, clothing structural design, setting of clothing color and pattern library, inter-conversion between three-dimensional mesh of clothing and two-dimensional pieces and so on. Some examples show that the application of these principles is feasible and effective.