Over the decades, we have always been categorizing industries with respect to their products and working methods which highly differentiated them. The system ran quite well in rigidity for some time until the pandemic hit the records and shook up the systematic setting of all the industries and work culture. The demand to go intangible with the medium of the digital era increased rapidly with the innovative initiatives undertaken. The nature of each industry remained constant until the time of interaction with the clients. We get to see parallels here, the intangible demand and the fast-growing mentality of the people to obtain their tasks, services and experience in less time in the comfort of their space.

Sustainability has been the talk of both these Industries for quite some time, and we can actually see the industries progressing specifically towards that goal. For Interiors, the emphasis on sustainability and environment-friendly designs will continue to grow. In response, designers are using materials that have lower environmental impacts, such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, and organic cotton.

They are also incorporating sustainable and energy-efficient systems, such as solar panels and green roofs, into their designs. The designers are also looking into welcoming the light in the aspects of certain mediums like coloured glass and open bathrooms, which are the most trending spaces according to the trend forecast.

The Textile Production process is notoriously water-intensive, which is why so many fashion brands are implementing water-saving techniques. WaterLess is a method revolutionizing the fashion industry by using up to 96 per cent less water in the finishing process, which uses a combination of lasers, ozone, and nano-bubbles to finish their denim products, resulting in a significant reduction in water usage. Levi’s is a great example because of the strides they have made as a company in this domain. With Levi’s ‘WaterLess’ method, significant progress has been made in reducing water usage. The same goes for the Dyeing process.

Digital printing is one such technology that has been developed to reduce water usage, which involves printing the dye directly onto the fabric, which significantly reduces the amount of water used in the dyeing process. This method also produces less waste and is more energy-efficient than traditional dyeing methods. Companies/Brands have even started installing water plants for recycling their water and repurposing it, decreasing water usage in a drastic manner, making them eco-friendly and more responsible.

Moving forward, the future demands us to proactively deliver the expected needs of the clients in a snap. With 3D rendering, designers can create virtual prototypes of their designs, allowing them to see how the products will look and fit before even creating a physical prototype. This saves both time and money, making the design process more efficient. 3D rendering is transforming the way that designers create and visualize. This became fortunately possible through the services of Augmented Reality and Virtual reality, which are prominently governed by the Metaverse!

The Metaverse is revolutionizing the way that customers interact with the design. AR allows customers to try virtual products be it clothes, accessories, furniture, and even the ambience of their dream home. While VR enables customers to experience fashion shows and exhibitions virtually. As people have begun to adapt to the virtual world, which led towards the creation of digital real estate by owning lands up to a maximum of 16 sqm in area and 20 m in height. Virtual properties are being sold across the world and are in strong need of virtual designers. Companies like Kia and Tata Elxsi are adapting the Metaverse in the way of producing experience centres for the audience worldwide.

The automobile sector has been observed as one of the most proactive users of the Metaverse by showcasing the experience of the car, demonstrating a step-by-step guide providing a visual of 360 degrees. Following this, the fashion industry set up trial podiums where the users can create their own avatars and try out the outfits in comparison of many variables allowing them to shop with feasibility and avoiding the hassle of hunting for unknown desires.

Spaces like showrooms, fashion shows, exhibitions, and experience centers for any product in the industry are a requirement of designers working in multi-disciplinary forums to put their skills together to derive an expected output. This technology is particularly useful in the current pandemic climate, as it allows customers to experience it in a safe and immersive way.

Online shopping has largely replaced traditional retail as the preferred method for many consumers to purchase any product. Retailers are investing in chatbots and personalization tools to enhance the customer experience.

It creates a more engaging and interactive shopping experience that enables consumers to visualize the products in the comparison of options and variations of many factors. Of course, these technological developments are not merely applicable to the fields of design and retail.

Automation and robotics are helping to manufacture as well since they increase productivity, lower prices, and cut waste. A prime illustration of how technology can transform manufacturing is the Adidas Speedfactory. This facility makes customized shoes faster and more efficiently than ever before – thanks to robotics and 3D printing.

Technology is transforming the industry; however, it is not without its challenges. One of the most significant challenges is the pace of change. Technology is evolving rapidly, and businesses need to keep up if they want to remain competitive. This can be challenging, especially for start-ups, who may not have the resources to invest in the latest technology. An additional hurdle is the need for a skilled workforce that is willing to unlearn and relearn in parallel to the dynamics of time.

With technology becoming one of the fundamentals, there’s an increasing demand for designers who are skilled in domains like programming, 3D modelling, visual communication, spatial awareness and the integration of cognitive ability. If we are able to target the right points of cognitive ability, then the factor of tangibility becomes an independent factor in the design and experience.

About the Authors:

Sandra Thomas

Sandra Thomas teaches Communication at JD Institute of Fashion Technology. She has a deep-seated love for learning and discovery. She has a penchant for the latest scientific breakthroughs and believes that the power of creative thinking can be harnessed to achieve great things.

Mohammed Fahad

Mohammed Fahad teaches Interior Design at JD Institute of Fashion Technology. He also has four years of experience in creating designs for residences, hotels and offices. He has also delved into communication design and art direction with national and international clients.