The virtual reality design studio

The use of virtual reality in low technology environments is unusual. The manufacture of clothing is one such area, yet there is potential for VR to reduce sampling (prototyping) and to improve the effectiveness of communications between different parties in the supply chain. The paper describes the outcomes of a pilot project to develop the ideas encompassed in the use of collaborative VR systems. It formed part of a multi party development programme sponsored by the UK government´s Department of Trade and Industry under their Joint Framework for Information Technology initiative. The purpose of the project was to show how designers and buyers in the clothing business could use the combination of sophisticated 3D software, multimedia databases and modern telecommunications in ways that can exploit their talents and could add to competitiveness