Augmented Reality Fashion Design Studio for Sustainable Atelier Practices

Thesis Abstract

This study investigates how an Augmented Reality (AR) fashion design studio can advance sustainable atelier practices by integrating digital visualization, material impact assessment, and circular design workflows into the creative process. The context is contemporary fashion design where rapid prototyping, waste reduction, and responsible material selection challenge traditional studios. The aims are to evaluate AR-enabled workflows for reducing fabric waste, improving material traceability, and enhancing designer collaboration within sustainable criteria. Specific objectives include (1) determining the impact of AR visualization on fabric usage efficiency (2) assessing the accuracy of AR-based material footprint estimates against conventional methods (3) exploring designer perceived usefulness, ease of use, and collaboration dynamics (4) examining the environmental and economic implications of AR-driven decisions in studio operations. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach underpinned by Actor-Network Theory (ANC) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to examine technical, organizational, and social dimensions of AR adoption in sustainable garment development. A convergent parallel design is employed with a sample of 60 professional fashion designers and 12 studio teams from two mid-sized fashion houses implementing AR design tools over a 16-week cycle. Data collection comprises (a) quantitative measures using AR efficiency metrics, fabric waste logs, and material footprint calculations via a standardized life cycle assessment (LCA) module, analyzed with multiple regression and ANOVA to test differences between baseline and AR-enabled workflows; (b) qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with 24 designers, 10 production managers, and 6 design directors, analyzed thematically through inductive coding and constant comparison to extract patterns of perceived value and barriers; (c) observational field notes and system usage logs to triangulate user interactions and collaboration events. Instrument validity is established through pilot testing with 8 designers, and reliability is assessed via Cronbach’s alpha for attitudinal scales, targeting ? ? 0. eight for internal consistency. Data integration uses joint display analysis to compare quantitative outcomes with qualitative themes. Key expected findings include a measurable reduction in fabric waste by 18–25% attributable to AR-assisted layout and nesting optimization, and a 12–20% improvement in material footprint accuracy when utilizing real-time LCAs embedded in the AR interface. It is anticipated that AR visualization will enhance design collaboration across disciplines, yielding higher inter-team communication scores and more rapid iteration cycles without compromising aesthetic outcomes. The findings are expected to reveal moderating effects of designer experience, organizational readiness, and perceived usefulness on AR adoption, with ANC and TAM jointly explaining a substantial portion of variance in sustained utilization. The study contributes to knowledge by (1) integrating AR-enabled sustainable design workflows within professional fashion studios, (2) demonstrating empirical links between AR visualization, material efficiency, and lifecycle-informed decision-making, and (3) extending theory by synthesizing ANC and TAM to explain technology-driven sustainability practices in creative design contexts. Practical implications include a framework for implementing AR tools tailored to material selection, pattern layout optimization, and real-time sustainability metrics, along with policy guidance for studio governance, supply-chain transparency, and waste reduction targets. The research also presents a scalable model for evaluating technology-enabled sustainability across design disciplines. The main conclusion is that AR-enabled fashion design studios can meaningfully advance sustainability outcomes when integrated with robust data models, user-centered interfaces, and organizational processes that support circular design. Recommendations emphasize (a) extending AR toolkits with modular LCA dashboards and material library integrations, (b) targeted training programs to improve TAM constructs among designers, and (c) governance protocols that align creative freedom with sustainability benchmarks. Further research is suggested to explore long-term adoption effects, cross-cultural studio contexts, and the integration of biodegradable and recycled material supply chains within AR-assisted design environments.