Generative Computer-aided Design for Fashion

The concept of generative design has been researched, leveraged and employed extensively in engineering, manufacturing, architecture, construction and general product development applications during the past few years. While some research groups have investigated and published on theoretical aspects of algorithmic design for aesthetic-only, non-technical fashion design use cases, the practical characteristics of the methodology have yet to be explored and investigated. Furthermore, besides aesthetic applications, the related technical issues of product design are to be considered and examined. By way of a basic and anonymized example involving a footwear design project, this commentary provides an overview of this concept in practice. The example entails both the technical and aesthetic aspects of generative fashion design and how they impact the corresponding process development in practice.