Pedagogy and Professional Development

Zero-Waste Design Evaluation with Secondary Techniques: Aesthetic, Technical, and Sustainability Dimensions

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Abstract

Zero-waste fashion design has emerged as a sustainable strategy for reducing textile waste; however, its integration into fashion design education presents notable creative and technical challenges. This study examined the impact of incorporating a secondary technique - laser cutting - into zero-waste design projects within a university-level fashion design course. Two student cohorts from consecutive academic years were compared: one cohort completed a zero-waste project without secondary techniques, while the second integrated laser-cutting into their designs. Projects were evaluated using a standardized rubric assessing complexity, technical execution, sustainability, originality, and aesthetics. Independent samples t-tests revealed that the cohort utilizing laser-cutting demonstrated significantly higher scores in design complexity, technical execution, originality, and aesthetics, while sustainability outcomes remained consistent across cohorts. Findings suggest that integrating secondary technologies can enhance creative and technical outcomes in zero-waste fashion design education without compromising sustainability objectives. The study offers pedagogical implications advancing sustainable design curricula through technology-enchanced strategies.

Keywords: Zero-Waste Fashion Design, Design Aesthetics, Sustainable Fashion Education, Laser Cutting in Apparel Design, Digital Fabrication in Fashion, Design Complexity, Technical Execution, Design Assessment, Fashion Design Pedagogy

How to Cite:

Bernardoni, J. M. & Gam, H., (2025) “Zero-Waste Design Evaluation with Secondary Techniques: Aesthetic, Technical, and Sustainability Dimensions”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21915