Faculty/School

Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Primary Supervisor

Dr Zoe Mellick
Position
Lecturer
Division / Faculty
Faculty of CI, Education & Social Justice

Other QUT supervisors

Dr Madeline Taylor
Position
Senior Lecturer
Division / Faculty
Faculty of CI, Education & Social Justice

Overview

Digital technologies are changing the way fashion products are designed, developed and produced. From 3D garment design and virtual sampling to digital product passports and material traceability, fashion businesses are increasingly adopting digital tools to improve communication, product development and supply chain management. However, there is limited understanding of how these technologies are being used across the Australian fashion industry, the skills they require, and how universities can prepare graduates for this changing landscape.

Students will contribute to a pilot study that examines both industry and student perspectives on digital fashion technologies. The project will investigate how digital tools (for example CLO3D and Browzwear) are currently being adopted by industry in Australia, review existing academic and industry literature, and explore students' perceptions of the digital skills needed for future careers in fashion. The project is not attached to an existing funded grant but forms part of a broader program of research with a goal to submit an ARC funded Collaborate project anticipated to involve partner universities and industry organisations such as the Australian Fashion Council.

Research engagement

  • conduct a literature review examining digital technology uptake in the fashion industry;
  • review academic publications, industry reports and white papers relating to digital capability;
  • learn qualitative research methods, including interview analysis, transcript verification and thematic coding using NVivo;
  • assist with verification of interview transcripts and analysing interview data collected from industry practitioners and QUT students; and
  • contribute to a knowledge translation activity by helping prepare and present findings at a Digital Fashion Australia online event.

Research activities

The supervisory team will conduct a small set of industry interviews (approximately two – four practitioners). The student joins the project once interviews are complete, working with the team to verify transcripts, code data and conduct thematic analysis, and to complete the literature and contextual review. The student will be involved in interviewing QUT students (approx. 2-4) about perceptions and experiences of digital fashion. The student prepares and delivers a presentation of findings for an online Digital Fashion Australia event. This semi-annual event will be hosted by the QUT researchers (previous events have been hosted by UTS and RMIT), and students will help in the planning and delivery of the seminar day (e.g. coordinating RSVPs, preparing mailouts etc).

Research skills

  • literature reviewing and academic writing;
  • analysing industry reports and policy documents;
  • qualitative research design;
  • conducting research ethically;
  • interviewing participants;
  • preparing and managing qualitative datasets;
  • using NVivo for coding and thematic analysis;
  • communicating research findings to academic and industry audiences; and
  • collaborating within a research team

Outcomes

  • a scoping review of digital fashion technologies and workforce capability;
  • a thematic analysis of industry perspectives on digital technology adoption, opportunities and challenges;
  • a thematic analysis of QUT student perspectives on digital skills and education;
  • recommendations for future curriculum development and industry collaboration;
  • a presentation delivered through Digital Fashion Australia; and
  • findings that will contribute to a journal publication and inform a future ARC collaborative funding application.

Skills and experience

This opportunity is suited to second-year students studying fashion design, fashion communication or related disciplines with an interest in digital technologies, sustainability or the future of the fashion industry. Desirable attributes: willingness to learn qualitative methods and coding software (for example NVivo), attention to detail for transcript work, confidence conducting short peer interviews.

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

19 February, 2027

Location

Kelvin Grove Campus

Additional information

The student will become part of an active research team and receive mentoring from experienced researchers throughout the project. Training will be provided in qualitative interviewing, transcript preparation, thematic analysis and NVivo software. Students will also gain experience engaging with industry through Digital Fashion Australia and may have opportunities to contribute to conference presentations and future publications where appropriate. Existing resources include the team's conference presentation about integrating digital technology tools into fashion design curriculum and a forthcoming chapter on the role of fashion digital tools in the transition to Industry 4.0 to 5.0.

Keywords

Contact

Zoe Mellick

07 3138 0187

zoe.mellick@qut.edu.au