Course Title:

“Tech-Infused Fashion: AI, Blockchain, 3D Printing & Wearables”

Course Description:

This course equips fashion students with a foundational understanding of four transformative technologies—Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, 3D Printing, and Wearable Technology—emphasizing how they can be applied in fashion design, manufacturing, and retail. Through a mix of lectures, hands-on labs, and creative projects, students will learn to conceptualize and prototype innovative, sustainable, and personalized fashion solutions.

Learning Objectives:

1. AI in Fashion
   
   

   • Understand basic AI concepts (machine learning, neural networks, etc.) and their applications in predictive analytics, trend forecasting, and personalized design.

   • Explore adaptive fashion garments and recommendation systems.

2. Blockchain & Transparency
   
   

   • Grasp the fundamentals of blockchain technology, smart contracts, and decentralized apps (DApps).

   • Apply blockchain principles to ensure supply chain transparency, authenticity, and ownership tracking in fashion.

3. 3D Printing & Digital Fabrication
   
   

   • Comprehend various 3D printing techniques and materials suitable for fashion.

   • Develop skills to design and create 3D-printed components for garments or accessories, focusing on customization and sustainability.

4. Wearable Technology
   
   

   • Examine electronic components (sensors, microcontrollers, conductive textiles) and their integration into garments or accessories.

   • Plan and prototype a wearable device that balances aesthetics and function (e.g., health monitoring, AR experiences).

5. Multidisciplinary Collaboration
   
   

   • Collaborate with peers in technology, design, and business to bring tech-infused fashion concepts to market.

   • Enhance creative problem-solving skills by merging fashion’s design principles with technological feasibility.

Course Structure & Weekly Outline

Week 1: Introduction & Course Overview

• Lecture Topics:

  • The shifting paradigm of fashion in the digital age.

  • Historical context: From mass production to personalized wearables.

  • Overview of AI, Blockchain, 3D Printing, and Wearable Tech.

• Activity:

  • Brainstorm session on how technology can transform the fashion industry.

• Assignment:

  • Reflection paper on how students envision technology influencing their personal design aesthetics.

Week 2: Fundamentals of AI in Fashion

• Lecture Topics:

  • AI 101: Machine learning vs. deep learning, data science basics.

  • Trend forecasting, recommendation systems, sentiment analysis.

• Lab:

  • Hands-on demonstration of a simple AI tool (e.g., image recognition in fashion).

• Assignment:

  • Research leading AI applications in fashion retail (e.g., personal shopping assistants, virtual stylists).

Week 3: AI for Design & Product Development

• Lecture Topics:

  • AI-driven design software (e.g., CLO 3D, Browzwear) and generative design.

  • Ethics in AI: Data privacy and responsible AI use.

• Lab:

  • Mini workshop on generating design variations using an AI-driven pattern or color palette generator.

• Assignment:

  • Propose a concept for an AI-driven fashion line that personalizes designs based on user data or preferences.

Week 4: Blockchain Basics

• Lecture Topics:

  • How blockchain works: decentralization, consensus algorithms, smart contracts.

  • Use cases: supply chain traceability, authenticity, and sustainability in fashion.

• Lab:

  • Demonstration of a simple blockchain prototype (e.g., using a test network like Ethereum’s Rinkeby).

• Assignment:

  • Map out a blockchain-based supply chain for a hypothetical fashion brand (design → raw materials → production → retail → consumer).

Week 5: Blockchain for Fashion Transparency & NFTs

• Lecture Topics:

  • Authenticity certification, anti-counterfeiting measures.

  • NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) in fashion—digital twins for garments, ownership transfers, digital collectibles.

• Guest Lecture (Optional):

  • Invite a blockchain startup founder or a brand representative to discuss real-world implementations.

• Assignment:

  • Develop a mini white paper on how NFTs could be leveraged to promote exclusivity or personalization in fashion products.

Week 6: 3D Printing Fundamentals

• Lecture Topics:

  • Types of 3D printing (FDM, SLA, SLS) and common materials (PLA, TPU, resin).

  • Current applications in couture and accessories (e.g., Iris van Herpen’s 3D-printed haute couture pieces).

• Lab:

  • Intro to 3D modeling software (e.g., Rhino, Blender, Tinkercad).

  • Basics of slicing software and 3D printer operation.

• Assignment:

  • Design a simple accessory or garment embellishment to be 3D printed.

Week 7: Advanced 3D Printing & Sustainability

• Lecture Topics:

  • Sustainable materials and on-demand production models.

  • Post-processing techniques (finishing, coloring, assembling 3D-printed parts with fabrics).

• Lab:

  • Print and test prototypes for durability and wearability.

• Assignment:

  • Create a sustainable fashion concept integrating 3D-printed components that minimize material waste.

Week 8: Intro to Wearable Technology

• Lecture Topics:

  • Wearable tech categories: health monitors, smartwatches, AR glasses, e-textiles.

  • Electronic basics: sensors, microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi), conductive threads.

• Lab:

  • Simple circuit-building exercise: LED integration into a fabric or accessory.

• Assignment:

  • Conceptualize a wearable device that solves a real-world user problem (e.g., posture correction, UV protection).

Week 9: From Concept to Prototype

• Lecture Topics:

  • Integrating fashion design principles with hardware constraints (power supply, comfort, durability).

  • Testing, iteration, user experience, and user interface design for wearables.

• Lab:

  • Build a basic wearable prototype incorporating sensors (heart rate, step counter) and a simple output (LED or buzzer).

• Assignment:

  • Document the design-to-prototype process, highlighting any aesthetic or functional trade-offs.

Week 10: Merging Technologies

• Lecture Topics:

  • Combining AI with wearables for predictive insights (e.g., real-time health analytics).

  • Blockchain-enabled authentication for 3D-printed wearable designs.

  • Potential for mass customization: Using AI + 3D printing to create truly personalized garments.

• Discussion:

  • Brainstorm creative ways to overlap all four tech domains in a single product.

• Assignment:

  • Group project proposal: Outline a multifaceted wearable that uses at least two of the four tech areas (AI, Blockchain, 3D Printing, Wearables).

Week 11: Group Project Workshop

• Activity:

  • In-class collaboration sessions for teams to work on final projects.

  • Instructor/TA guidance on hardware, software, and design troubleshooting.

• Deliverable:

  • Mid-project check-in: Demonstrate preliminary designs, sketches, or prototypes.

Week 12: Final Presentations & Demo Day

• Presentations:

  • Each group presents their integrated project, highlighting design rationale, tech stack, user experience, and sustainability considerations.

  • Live demonstration (if applicable) of working prototypes or digital mock-ups.

• Feedback & Discussion:

  • Peer and instructor critique focusing on feasibility, aesthetics, and market potential.

• Wrap-Up:

  • Reflection on key lessons learned and future directions for fashion-tech.

Teaching Methods & Materials

• Lectures & Reading:

  • Core reading materials on AI basics, blockchain fundamentals, and wearable tech design principles.

  • Case studies from major fashion-tech brands (e.g., Iris van Herpen, Nike, Adidas, Prada x A+O collaborations).

• Hands-On Labs:

  • Access to makerspace or lab equipped with 3D printers, microcontrollers, and basic electronics.

  • Workshops on relevant software tools (e.g., AI design platforms, blockchain test networks, 3D modeling software).

• Team Projects:

  • Emphasize collaboration between fashion design students and those with tech backgrounds.

  • Encourage interdisciplinary communication (potential collaboration with engineering or computer science students if the school setup allows).

Assessment & Grading

1. Weekly Assignments (30%)

   • Reflection papers, mini research tasks, lab exercises.

2. Midterm Project (20%)

   • Individual concept or small prototype focusing on one technology (AI/Blockchain/3D Printing/Wearables).

3. Final Group Project (40%)

   • Develop and present a functioning or well-simulated fashion-tech product incorporating at least two of the core technologies.

   • Presentation, prototype demonstration, and written documentation.

4. Class Participation & Attendance (10%)

   • Active discussion, critique sessions, and in-class collaboration.

Potential Career & Industry Links

• Internships & Collaborations: Encourage partnerships with tech-focused fashion brands, startups, or labs working on smart textiles, AI-driven fashion, or blockchain solutions.

• Field Trips & Industry Events: Visits to local fabrication labs, design studios, or conferences on emerging tech (e.g., Maker Faire, CES, Decentralized Web Summit).

• Guest Speakers: Invite industry professionals (engineers, UX designers, data scientists, fashion technologists) to discuss real-world challenges and opportunities.

Conclusion

By the end of this course, fashion students will have a practical introduction to key technological tools and concepts shaping the future of the industry. They will gain hands-on experience in prototyping wearables, applying AI for personalization, implementing blockchain for transparency, and using 3D printing for sustainable, custom garments. Most importantly, they will learn how to seamlessly blend aesthetics with innovation, paving the way for the next generation of tech-savvy fashion designers.

Hardware Focused Course

Structure of the 15 week HW class

Week 1 -  Overview of the class. 

Week 2 - Why, Where and How of Fashion and Technology collaboration. 

Current state of Wearables in Fashion.

Week 3 - Chips and MEMS Sensors (Atmel)

Week 4 - Making clothing intelligent (Intel)

Week 5 - Making clothing social

Week 6 - Fitness Tracker (The first wave of wearables)

Week 7 - Smart Glasses (On the face)

Week 8 -  Clothing that is prescribed by your doctor - 

Integrating Health & Activity Trackers

Week 9  - Building Wearable Devices 

Wearable Mobile devices (clothing incorporating -  iPhone & Android) 

Week 10 - intro 3D printing

Week 11 - Future of 3D printed clothing

Week 12 - The dressing room of the future using VR. *[Student Projects Started] 

Week 13 - Security Challenges, Human Factor and User experience in wearables

Week 14 - Crowdsourcing design and collaboration 

Week 15 - Student Projects reviewed --- In class presentations