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The integration of digital technologies into fashion product development education
Author(s)
Kolisi, Bongiwe
Date Issued
2026
Type
doctoral thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
This study explores the integration of digital technologies into fashion product development education to address the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution in the apparel industry. Historically, the fashion industry has favoured traditional methods and physical artefacts for design and production, but recent technological advances have disrupted this practice, raising questions about the relevance of current teaching methods used by the University of Technologies that offer fashion design programs. This research aims to bridge the gap between traditional and modern teaching approaches in product development education in the fashion industry. The research questions underlying this study are twofold: (1) What is the relationship between current design technology and fashion product development? (2) How does technological change affect teaching and learning in fashion product development? To answer these questions, the study compares the teaching practices of the different fashion design programmes being offered by universities of technology (UoT) in South Africa, and the apparel industry, and finally develop a framework for adapting teaching methods. Through a qualitative research method influenced by posthumanism and actor-network theories, the study explores the relevance of current educational approaches for 21st century students and their alignment with industry practices. It looks at 21st century education and its alignment with industry practices. It recognizes the continuing importance of conventional methods as a foundation for digital systems and explores how teaching and learning must evolve to harness the potential of technology. Through a systems-analytic analysis approach and benchmarking at two UoT offering fashion design programs, this study identifies opportunities to bridge the digital-physical divide and align education with industry needs. By providing a comprehensive impact overview of how digital technologies are being used in the apparel industry and at Universities of technology that offers programs of study in fashion design and product development, the study uncovers research gaps, underscores the need for further studies and provides recommendations for policy and practice. The study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on transforming fashion product development education and highlights the need for innovative teaching approaches that combine digital and traditional learning experiences to prepare students for successful careers in the evolving fashion industry through a conceptual framework. The dynamic nature of the fashion industry is highlighted, and the findings aim to foster a deeper understanding of digital technology integration for informed decision-making in curriculum development. The research ultimately suggests that digital technologies and conventional production methods must co-exist.
Additional information
Thesis (DPhil (Informatics))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2026
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201100924_Kolisi, Bongiwe.pdf
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