Integrating Innovation in Pattern Making Teaching and Learning for Higher Education in Fashion Design

Abstract

This article intends to integrate innovation into pattern making skills in fashion design education. This is align with the main goal of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) which aims to produce students who are competent, competitive, has value in marketability while continue in improving themselves with the latest skills that meet the needs of the national industry workforce.  Thus, some changes need to be made for the learners to meet the change in technology, knowledge and technical needs in the industry especially in educational system, training programs and curriculum in higher education institutions. This research employed qualitative research design. The qualitative data collection utilize face-to-face interview. A semi-structured interviews protocol was developed to guide the interview sessions. 5 fashion lecturers, 5 fashion designers, 1 pattern maker and 5 fashion graduates had participated in the interview session. Based on the thematic analysis, there are six dominant factors which influence the integration of innovation into the curriculum. The findings are also evidence to support the implementation of framework for innovation integration into the existing pattern making curricula. By having the proposed framework, fashion design students can enhance their pattern making skill through the application of advanced technology, aligned with the demand of the industry.