THE ROLE OF 3D DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AS AN EXPLORATORY MEDIUM IN THE ZERO WASTE FASHION DESIGN PROCESS

Abstract

The fashion industry faces significant sustainability challenges, particularly related to pre-consumer waste generated during the design and production processes. Zero waste fashion design (ZWFD) has emerged as an approach aimed at minimizing textile waste through pattern configuration; however, in manual practice, the design process is highly experimental and heavily dependent on physical prototypes. This condition often leads to high levels of iteration and the potential generation of pre-consumer waste during the design exploration stage. This study aims to examine the role of 3D digital technology as an exploratory medium within the ZWFD design process. The research employs a qualitative approach using comparative analysis, in which manual ZWFD practices are used as the analytical context, while digital exploration is conducted through the digitalization of existing designs. The findings indicate that 3D digital technology functions as a visual exploration space that enables early design reflection prior to physical realization, resulting in a shift in the role of physical prototypes from primary exploration media to final design verification. These findings suggest that integrating 3D digital technology into the ZWFD process supports a more reflective design thinking approach and offers implications for sustainable fashion design practice and education.