SPECIFICATIONSThere are three types of specification

DESIGN SPECIFICATION

Create from the design brief after research has been carried out.

Sets out the essential and desirable criteria for the design.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

Drawn up once a decision has been made about which proposals to develop further.

Identifies the materials and equipment needed to make the product in the prototype stage.

MANUFACTURING SPECIFICATION

Produced after the product has undergone final modifications

Provides comprehensive materials and equipment lists

Identifies all the tasks that need to be completed in sequence to manufacture the product.

SPECIFICATION CONSIDERATIONS The following elements need to be considered when

producing a specification: Form-what shape should the product be? Function-what does the product need to do? User requirements- what does the target market

need/want? Performance requirements- what properties does

the product need to do its job? Materials and components- what will the product be

made from? Scales of production- how many do you need to

produce? Budget- how much money is available for materials

and production? Sustainability- how can the products impact on the

environment be reduced?

DESIGN SPECIFICATION

Your design specification will normally ..............

Be a list of bullet points Provide guidelines to help you focus your

design ideas Include all the key points from the brief Take into account the findings of your

research List all the essential criteria you must

include in your designs Include desirable criteria you would like to

include in your designs if possible

COPYRIGHT OF DESIGNS

In textiles and the fashion industries designs are sometimes copied. Copyright, patents and registered designs are just some ways in which a designer is protected.

Relevant Acts of Parliament include............. Copyright Designs and patents Act

1988. Trade Marks Act 1994

THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

The product specification contains all the instructions and information needed to produce a prototype of the product.

It needs to be very clear. Ask yourself-could someone else follow instructions ad make the prototype if they wanted to?

The product specification is also used to calculate the final cost of the product, so the information must be accurate.

A PRODUCT SPECIFICATION INCLUDES

A working drawing of the product in black and white showing front and back vie measurement details, exploded drawings, highlighting key details, details of seams,

A written description including components and fabrics, quantities and amounts.

Samples of fabrics, components and colours

Sizing details of all different elements Appropriate user instructions and

aftercare information.

INDUSTRY SPECIFICATION

In industry the product and manufacturing specifications incorporate a.....

Fabric specification –type, weight, colour, fastness, abrasion, resistance, feel/texture

Garment specification- style, size, dimensions, colours, types of fabrics.

Component specification- fastenings, interlining, zips, fastenings.

MANUFACTURING SPECIFICATION The manufacturing

specification is produced after the prototype has been made and incorporates any final adjustments or modifications.

It provides a detailed set of guidelines including written instructions, diagrams and flow charts, that should enable the manufacturer to make the product exactly as the designer envisaged.

A typical manufacturing specification might include

A list of materials and components

A list of tools and equipment Detailed plan of work as a

flow chart Set time lines and guides for

each stage of manufacture Appropriate quality control

checks Details of the critical points

in the making process A list of possible problems

and solutions Correct pattern annotation.

FLOW CHART