The purposes of this study were to assess student attitudes toward CAD technology and use, to determine the efficient use of computer-aided design (CAD) systems in the design curriculum, and to investigate the current use of CAD at other colleges and universities in the United States with apparel design programs. A questionnaire was administered to students enrolled in a computer-aided design course to determine previous computer experience, previous design courses taken, and attitudes toward the use of computers. Another questionnaire that focused on the student’s attitudes toward the two CAD systems used in the class was administered after completion of the final assignment. The students in the apparel design course had positive attitudes toward computers and the usage of CAD as a tool for design applications. The students preferred to use the Lectra system and felt that it was the most efficient CAD system to use for assignments in the apparel design course. However, further study needs to be conducted concerning the efficient use of CAD in apparel design courses. A questionnaire was mailed to faculty at universities with apparel design programs to determine how CAD was being used in the curriculum, the type(s) of CAD system(s) being used, and the future plans for CAD in the curriculum. Frequency and percentage distributions were used to analyze the data. The data collected from educators teaching CAD at other colleges and universities in the United States indicate that CAD is being used in the classroom to teach flat pattern techniques (18%), pattern grading (16%), and marker making (16%). Thirty-three apparel design programs were using IBM computers to teach CAD with 14 programs using MicroDesign equipment to teach CAD. The programs that were using IBM computers or compatibles were using AutoCAD software (39%). The results also showed a significant increase in the number of programs with CAD in the curriculum from 21 between 1982 and 1989 to 38 between 1990 and 1993. This indicated that apparel design programs realized the importance of integrating CAD into the design curriculum to better prepare students for employment in the apparel industry. / Master of Science

The purpose of this research was to identify the expertise of CAD graphics operators/managers in the design and marketing phases of textile/apparel product development. Additionally, the purposes were to determine the effect of CAD graphics on product development in the textile/apparel industry, and to identify future needs and uses of CAD graphics in the industry. A questionnaire was sent to 117 CAD graphics operators/managers. The results from the questionnaire were obtained through frequency and percentage distributions. The major findings of this study concluded that textile design and/or colorations and coloration of sketches were the major uses for CAD graphics systems. The shortening of response time of development of idea in design cycle was the major benefit of using a CAD graphics system. Future needs and wants were found to be mainly in the areas of better color control, matching and selection, better resolution in printing, and faster, larger printout capabilities. / Master of Science