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 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, research how a favourite item of clothing is the result of innovative developments in the industry and share your findings with other learners.
Syllabus
Week 1
Exploring fashion innovation
Welcome
Before you get started take some time to introduce yourself and meet your fellow learners from around the world.
Thinking about fashion innovation
In this activity, you will explore the types and levels of innovation in the fashion industry. You will also have the opportunity to share your thoughts on the greatest fashion innovation.
Case study: incremental innovation at M&S
In this activity, you will see how incremental innovation at M&S helped to move the fashion industry forward. You will also explore the promotion of fashion innovation through advertisements.
Summary
To close this week, you are introduced to some of the options for studying at the University of Leeds. You will also look forward to next week.
Week 2
A fashion story
About Week 2
This week starts with case studies from M&S and the University of Leeds. You then have the challenge of researching and reporting on a fashion garment of your choice, considering its story.
Innovation in action
Fashion innovation is not restricted to the retail industry; universities and research organisations play an important part in taking new and innovative ideas forward.
Your turn
In this activity, you have the opportunity to tell the story of a fashion innovation that inspires you. Take some time to research your chosen innovation and then share your findings.
Summary
Having reached the end of this course, you can test your understanding and then look forward to the next course in the series, or further courses from the University of Leeds.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and learn at your own pace. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. 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?
This course is part of the Going to University collection which has been specifically designed for students at schools and colleges. They provide a taster of undergraduate study at the University of Leeds and help students to decide which subject to study at university.
Completion of the courses will also enhance students’ university applications.
The courses can also be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource.
Courses in this collection are also great for people that want an introduction in the specific subjects discussed in each 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
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- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps, but you can complete them as quickly or slowly as you like
- 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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