Abstract:

This paper presents a curricular design structured to bring together students from courses of study focused Fashion, Retailing, and Merchandising with students focused on Digital Media, Realtime 3D Graphics, VR/AR/XR tracks of study, challenging students to collaboratively analyze and propose solutions addressing real-world challenges in the Retail Fashion and Merchandising industry. This paper includes detailed framework for structure, learning objectives, and assessment methods, which are designed to engage students from diverse backgrounds and promote meaningful collaboration, along with case study examples of implementations with undergraduate and graduate level students. We highlight the challenges and successes of integrating new software tools into the curriculum and presents student feedback on the benefits of the interdisciplinary approach.

The fashion industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the rapid advancement of digital technologies. To prepare students for the challenges and opportunities in this evolving landscape, educators are challenged to develop innovative approaches that integrate ethics, sustainability, and emerging technologies into their curricula. We present an interdisciplinary course that bridges the gap between the fashion industry and digital media, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to drive sustainable innovation.

The course, developed through a collaboration between educators with backgrounds in the fashion industry and digital media programs, combines practical skill development, creative problem-solving, and interdisciplinary learning. Students from the fashion industry & merchandising, and digital media programs work together in teams to conceptualize and execute a digital experience for an ethical fashion brand using cutting-edge immersive technologies such as Z-Weave and Unreal Engine (UE).

The paper discusses the course structure, learning objectives, and assessment methods, which are designed to engage students from diverse backgrounds and promote meaningful collaboration. It highlights the challenges and successes of integrating new software tools into the curriculum and presents student feedback on the benefits of the interdisciplinary approach.

The authors reflect on the role of immersive technology in promoting sustainable practices and consumer engagement in the fashion industry, exploring the potential for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to transform the way brands connect with their audiences. They discuss the implications of this innovative pedagogical approach for the future of fashion education and the broader field of technology-enhanced learning.

By sharing insights from this interdisciplinary course, the authors aim to inspire educators and researchers to explore the potential of emerging technologies in fostering ethical and sustainable practices across industries. The paper concludes with a discussion of future directions, including the potential for collaborative research, industry partnerships, and the integration of immersive technologies into diverse educational contexts.

Keywords:

Fashion industry, digital media, immersive technology, VR, AR, interdisciplinary learning, sustainability, ethics, technology-enhanced learning.