Skip to 0 minutes and 11 seconds Innovation is what moves us forward, from the wheel to the internet and everything in between. This course focuses on innovation in the fashion industry. Through old archive footage of Marks and Spencer clothing adverts in the 1950s, videos from Marks and Spencer garment and innovation specialists, as well as activities and quizzes, this course will look at the ways in which the fashion industry develops new and innovative ideas to make better clothing. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to interact with learners from around the world, giving you new perspectives on the topic. Sign up now to Innovation– The Fashion Industry.
Innovation: the Fashion Industry
Understand how big fashion retailers innovate and discover the story behind a favourite piece of your clothing.
Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
2 hours
Innovation: the Fashion Industry
This course is just one of a series about ‘innovation’. You can sign up to the other courses in this series through the Going to University collection.
The course introduces a case study showing how Marks & Spencer has been a key innovator in fashion, introducing new fabrics that make our lives easier and more comfortable. You will see how M&S continues to drive innovation to bring consumers new and better products. You will also consider your own clothing and its innovation story, producing and sharing with other learners your research and findings on how a favourite item of clothing is the result of innovative developments in the industry.
Note for students
This course is part of a collection from the University of Leeds which have been specifically designed for those studying at school or college. All of the courses will help to enrich and extend your knowledge in a specific topic and develop your transferable skills. These courses will help you with making decisions about which subject to study at university and will give you examples and evidence when developing your university application.
Throughout the course you will join a community of online learners, providing an opportunity for interactive learning with other students both in the UK and internationally.
Each course is designed to complement your existing studies and aims to:
- provide evidence for UCAS applications and prepare you for university
- help you to gain new skills, think critically and learn independently
- encourage online / social learning
- develop collaboration and analytical skills
- embed current research into your online learning
For information about degrees available at the University of Leeds, please visit our course finder website.
Note for teachers
Aimed at prospective Undergraduate students both in the UK and internationally, our online courses provide a ‘taster’ of Undergraduate study at the University of Leeds.
Our courses benefit from being shaped by the latest research from the University of Leeds and are presented by leading academics who are actively engaged in pioneering research. They will inspire your students to think critically and develop their knowledge and analytical skills.
The course can be used as a wider classroom or enrichment resource or can be used independently by students to discover more about the subject area. Each course provides flexible study and benefits from online discussions with other learners.
If you would like to know more about this course or the range of courses from the University of Leeds designed specifically for schools and colleges, please visit our teachers’ pages for further information and resources.
What topics will you cover?
- An overview of innovation: defining different types and levels
- Case study: incremental innovation at M&S
- Innovation in fashion advertising
- Fashion innovation outside the retail industry
- How to create an educational video
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explore the different types of innovation and discuss examples of each.
- Identify the three levels of innovation: incremental, radical, and disruptive.
- Discuss the different types and levels of innovation in the fashion industry.
- Evaluate the way in which clothes were marketed in the 1950s compared to today.
- Explore future directions in fabric and garment innovation and discuss technologies which have impacted on innovation in the fashion industry.
- Research and report on the history and development of an item of clothing.
- Record the history and development of your chosen clothing item.
- Share and discuss your research with fellow learners.
Who is the course for?
No previous knowledge or experience of business or innovation is required, just an interest in innovation and/or fashion. If you are new to learning online you will find it helpful to join Learning Online: Learning and Collaborating prior to joining this course.
Who will you learn with?
Hi, I'm a Senior Teaching Fellow at the Univesity of Leeds. My areas of interest are based around the subject of design. Key areas are innovation, creativity and employability.
Who developed the course?
University of Leeds
As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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