Tech Pack Exchange: How well can you communicate if you are not there?

Abstract

<p>Teaching apparel production and manufacturing processes can be difficult due to lack of facilities that replicate industry settings or lack of access to product manufacturers. Labs are designed to simulate production processes that provide students with learning opportunities to apply knowledge from multiple courses in a problem-based learning situation. This project leveraged two university labs in geographically dispersed locations to teach pre–production processes. This learning simulation, allowed students to discover why clear communication tools and detail sketches that duplicated and supported the Order of Operation were important. Students extrapolated how attention to detail in tech pack materials impacted communication with factories whose first language may not be English and in a time zone that would not allow easy communication, as well as the importance of determining adequate factory experience. Students from UI and UIW agreed reciprocating the packet exchange and prototype construction would add to the simulated learning experience.</p>