Canadian Costumer's Digital Research Initiative Results
This research is targeted to Canadian Costumers, and more specifically to those working in the production of theatrical costumes.
This research is targeted to Canadian Costumers, and more specifically to those working in the production of theatrical costumes.
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The majority of testing focused on training and<br />
experimenting with Gerber Accumark software.<br />
Gerber is a well-known fashion development<br />
software and has been an industry mainstay for<br />
decades. We chose to work with Gerber<br />
because of their reputation and their suite of<br />
products marketed to independent bespoke<br />
fashion ateliers. The test cutting team assessed<br />
Gerbers’ basic patterning functions and grading<br />
tools as they apply to costuming and also<br />
reviewed methods for exporting digital<br />
patterns and digitizing paper patterns.<br />
Our testers reported that they found<br />
themselves devoting more time than they had<br />
intended perfecting their patterns, describing<br />
the software as “addictive and enjoyable”.<br />
Many aspects of Gerber were considered<br />
advantageous, but each tester also felt that<br />
there must be a more direct and simple way to<br />
complete the same actions. The testers found<br />
Gerber difficult to master by an individual<br />
hoping to become proficient in the variety of<br />
specialized tools available for use. The<br />
implication impressed by the software trainers<br />
is that the typical user of the<br />
software (i.e. Fashion companies) will train<br />
individual specialists focusing on each area of<br />
pattern development (e.g. 2D patterning, 3D<br />
modelling, *Marker making etc.).<br />
Gerber has maintained historical functions<br />
alongside new features to cater to decades<br />
worth of clients. Many of these functions<br />
perform the same task in different ways.<br />
Overall, we found that Gerber offers more<br />
than was needed to complete the project<br />
testing scenarios. The software was created<br />
with a focus on manufacturing which meant<br />
there were multiple additional steps in the<br />
process that were needed to follow which<br />
weren’t applicable to our production process<br />
(Easy Order, Model Maker). A more pared<br />
down, streamlined patterning software would<br />
be much more practical and accessible to<br />
costuming professionals. Finally, the cost is<br />
prohibitive to freelance workers.<br />
*A marker is a fashion term for the layout of pattern pieces on fabric
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