Product development and computer-aided design applications in woven wool upholstery

Abstract

A product design and development study was undertaken within the field of woven wool upholstery textile. It incorporated investigation of current product in the New Zealand market place, potential design trends and computer-aided (CAD) practical design development. The research focused on obtaining a 'core sample' through all facets of the New Zealand woven wool textile industry, to establish conclusions on how the product is perceived, produced and utilised by the market. This was achieved by initial focus on background information relating to woven wool textile design. The current New Zealand manufactured product base was taken from Fabriche Textiles Ltd range of wool upholstery. Research then focused on the creation of wool textile, from the design stage through to weaving manufacture. At this stage, product and market profiles established where and how the product is used. A relationship was established between wool textile design, the resultant textile product and the overall context of its market position with respect to trends and demands within the New Zealand interior furnishings industry. A primary result of this relationship indicated that successful textile design is the ability to communicate with the user (the supplier, specifier or end-user), so as to meet and exceed their needs accordingly. This result was illustrated as a focal end point in the form of a wool upholstery textile; designed and produced to prototype stage, for potential use in industry.