Self and Design Evaluation

Scope

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is an organization made up of students interested in technology. One of the events for TSA competitions is Fashion Design. Students must design and create two outfits inspired by a fairy tale. My partner, Alyssa, and I used this prompt as inspiration for our senior project. We must create two outfits for a fairytale character of our creation. As a certain requirement for our senior project, the two outfits must be inspired by marine organisms. The outfits also must have an educational aspect and be designed to use for stage productions.

Solution

    The solution for my senior project is a shirt inspired by a comb jelly, as seen in Figure 1. Comb jellies possess bioluminescent abilities and appear to pulse through the water. Glow-in-the-dark sequins sewn onto the shirt in lines appear similar to the comb jelly’s bioluminescent features. Lightweight and non-fitting chiffon material mimics the comb jelly's pulsing movement through the water.

Discrepancies

The original design and the final solution are nearly the same. The biggest difference is the lack of sequins in the final solution. Originally, glow-in-the-dark or fluorescent sequins were to be sewn onto the front of the shirt. In the final solution, fluorescent paint was used due to time. The fabric cut of the neckline was uneven, so binding was sewn onto it as a trim to hide the cut. The binding was not a part of the original design.

Design Flaws

            The one main design flaw in the final solution is the elastic on the end of the shirt and at the end of the sleeves. The elastic is too big and is not tight around the model. The neckline is also bigger than expected. Despite the shirt fitting the model, the elastic and the neckline do not fit the description in the original solution.

Unsolved Design Problems

            One design problem that will remain unsolved is the use of glow-in-the-dark sequins. In the original design, sequins were to be painted with fluorescent fabric paint and sewn or glued onto the shirt. Because of time issues, the sequins were not used. Another unresolved design issue is the tightness of the elastic on the shirt. The elastic does not properly fit the model. If time allows, this design flaw may be fixed.

Suggestions for Improvement

            If the shirt was to be recreated, different fabric should be used. The fabric proved to be hard to work with. Parchment paper placed underneath the fabric while sewing helped guide the fabric along, but was sometimes difficult to fully remove. Additionally, I would measure the elastic band right on the model, instead of going by measurements taken. The elastic did not fit correctly because the model was not readily available while sewing the elastic on.

Successes

            I think the biggest success I encountered during this project was learning how to properly sew. The two garments are the first items I have ever sewn. Sewing is a practical skill which I will need as I grow older.

Setbacks

            The biggest setback was the fact that I did not already know how to sew. I watched multiple tutorials and received help from multiple people for help. I also did know anything about fashion. Taking the time to learn about fashion and sewing was the biggest setback I encountered during this project.

What I Have Learned from Setbacks

            I have learned so much about fashion and sewing during this project. I acquired the ability to sew different fabrics and garments. I also learned much about the fashion world. Because my partner, Alyssa, loves everything about fashion, I gained a lot of knowledge from her. Drawing, sketching, and creating different clothes designs may be a skill I will need later in life.

Additional Learning

            Despite this project being new to Systems Engineering II, I gained a lot from this class. I learned about the design process and how the steps can be applied to different types of projects or assignments. I also gained knowledge about fashion, something I was never interested in until this year.

Improvements on:

Problem Solving Skills

            My problem solving skills improved greatly throughout this year. The design process helped me understand something when I did not clearly comprehend a problem. For example, when I did not know which alternate solution to choose, the design process helped choose one clear solution.

Communication Skills through Drawing

            Drawing the different designs and solutions proved to be very helpful. Instead of trying to explain a solution through speech, drawing assists in clarifying designs. Drawing out the garments displayed my ideas on paper exactly as envisioned.

Communication Skills through Speaking

            Because of the regular presentations in front of the class, my presentation skills improved greatly. Although not perfect, speaking in front of an audience does not scare me compared to past years. I still get nervous, but my speaking skills during presentations have greatly improved.

Communication Skills through Writing

            Due to the many assignments and papers throughout the year, my technical writing skills have improved. Writing technical papers to clarify ideas or alternate solutions comes easier than before this course. Each assignment assisted in improving my writing skills.

Organizational Skills

            My organizational skills definitely improved this year. The whole course had a very rigorous schedule. Although due dates were not always met, my time management skills were enhanced. Time management and organization are both essential skills needed.

Conclusion

            In conclusion, many skills were obtained throughout this entire year. The most critical skill I gained from the Systems Engineering II course was time management. Due dates are important and so is using my time wisely. I also learned and used the design process the whole year, which is a process I will use in college and beyond. Gaining knowledge about fashion and sewing may prove to be useful in later years as well. My technical writing and designing skills have also grown. Although difficult at many points in the year, Systems has given me skills that I know will be useful later in life.