Research-Based on Fashion Technology in Saudi Arabia - Thesis

This thesis examines the integration of technology within the fashion industry of Saudi Arabia, with a particular emphasis on eco-friendly fashion innovations and their impact on sustainability. It explores the rationale behind incorporating technology to promote environmental health, improve fashion communication, and cater to evolving consumer preferences. The study investigates the benefits of new technologies for fashion designers, the implementation processes driving industry changes, and the potential for improved fashion technologies in Saudi Arabia. Through literature review and research methodologies, the thesis delves into customer satisfaction processes, engagement strategies, and the eco-fashion process, highlighting the role of technology in enhancing design, production, and market competitiveness within the Saudi Arabian fashion landscape. The document is contributed by a student and available on Desklib.

Bashaer Aloufi 1420016
[RESEARCH-BASED ON FASHION TECHNOLOGY IN SAUDI ARABIA]
by
[1420016]
Thesis Submitted in Fulfillment
of the Research Methodology in Fashion Design Course
Dar-AlHekma University
2018

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1....................................................................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................................................3
Rationale of the research........................................................................................................3
Overview of Investigation......................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 2....................................................................................................................................4
Background of the Study........................................................................................................4
Aims and Objective of the study............................................................................................4
Research questions.................................................................................................................5
CHAPTER 3....................................................................................................................................5
Literature Review...................................................................................................................5
CHAPTER 4....................................................................................................................................9
Setting.....................................................................................................................................9
Study Design........................................................................................................................10
Selecting and sampling.........................................................................................................10
Data Collection Method.......................................................................................................10
Data Analysis Procedure......................................................................................................11
Ethical Consideration...........................................................................................................11
CHAPTER 5..................................................................................................................................11
Discussion.............................................................................................................................11
Possible limitation to the study.............................................................................................12
CHAPTER 6..................................................................................................................................13
References............................................................................................................................13
APPENDIX......................................................................................................................................1

Technological enhancement in the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
Eco-friendly fashion outfits are increasing their market as people from different countries
understand the value of having such products in their life and for the environment as well. The
technologies are supporting such innovations and those products will not harm the environment
at any cost. Eco-friendly piece of clothing and organic cotton and hemp clothing introduction in
fashion help in demising immense waste in the industry, reduce the use of pesticide and demand
of cloths. Eco-tech fashion projects have six stages to improve their idea and innovation to make
a collaborative form of fashion that endorses style as well as safety for the environment
(Maryam, Maarop & Ibrahim, 2015). The report will study aspects of technological advancement
in fashion industry. The topic is specified to analysis of eco-friendly fashion invention, dress
design, its significance and process of development followed by technical collaboration and
management which is requisite for business development. For this, research stages and systematic
procedure will be followed to evaluate in-depth information related with eco-friendly cloths,
innovation and its contribution.
Rationale of the research
The reason behind the involvement of technology in fashion introduces a better opportunity
for people to make a healthy environmental condition in the region. The promotion of fashion
communication and design sense makes motivated customers to buy those and their view will
improve the style and texture of clothes. Consumer like advancement in fashion with time and the
design is good for them. As stated by Maryam, Maarop & Ibrahim, (2015) engagement will people
with the product quality is important and that aligned with the market development and acceleration
of business. The clothes are more than just organic. Adding embellishment and texture of cotton in
Saudi Arabia is also important and environment sustainable condition is being maintained through
this. The formulation of eco-friendly dresses and use of those for the environment sustainability is
quite important for nature’s perspective. The issue is important in such situation as the possible
approach of design thinking and implement those in the current phase is important and relevant. The
project is also beneficial for me for conducting further academic analysis over the advancement of
fashion. This can facilitate further research knowledge and can assist in developing reports related
to the fashion industry.
Overview of Investigation
New technological advancements are leveraging in Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry,
supercharging their economy and unleashing the potential of private sector. Hence, report will
emphasise its focus on numerous benefits, execution procedure, development that are affecting
industry. This will also evaluate the benefits of fashion designer by using technologies in fashion

industry. The study will use numerous methodologies and techniques in order to carry out relevant
outcome.
CHAPTER 2
Background of the Study
The Arab Fashion Council is starting a new office in Saudi Arabia in order to bid to improve an
effective sustainable fashion. Numerous technological advancement is incurring in the country whether
in regard of trading through e-commerce or related to technical production development. The eco-
friendly design and services produce better clothing facility for people. The process also helps the
environment to become clean and deliver correct approach to fashion. Eco-friendly cloths are made of
fibres such as cotton and hemp using 100% nature-friendly fabric. There is no use of damaging
chemicals paintings or colours shading and lasting of products is emphasised. Clothes are made from fur
and this natural resources help in environment sustainability. This is also known as sustainable fashion
which is a part of trend of sustainability and growing design philosophy. This is becoming one of the
crucial trends against fast fashion in which ecological resources are derived for producing fabrics in
order to carry out a system i.e. supported for the foreseeable future in context of social responsibility
and human affairs impact on the environment (Khan, 2016). There are some specific reasons for using
environmental friendly clothes and that makes a huge difference in traditional fashion making.
However, cotton made from fur, have better environment sustainability and these products need to
be used (Khan, 2016). The clothes last longer and they have a classic shape and after all, they
reducing waste and save energy and resources. Management needs to adopt the process is the
crucial aspect of sustainability as the use of such products among consumer is increasing everyday
and is employed by most of the countries and companies.
Aims and Objective of the study
The aim of the study is to define the fashion sector by the implementation of better technology
and provide a good market approach in Saudi fashion market. The research delivers better opportunities
for the fashion appeals for human with the sustainable environment process. Through the help of
interview, investigator can gather opinion, ideas and information related to the topic from target
audience or sample. Interview is selected in report as this facilitates vast knowledge and information and
allow researcher to interact with their sample.

Objectives:
1. To identify the major benefits of new technologies in the fashion industry.
2. To assess the implementation process of the fashion industry changes the dimension of the
industry.
3. To analyse the improved fashion technologies will come in the fashion industry in Saudi
Arabia.
4. To determine the benefits of fashion designer by the use of technology.
Research questions
1. What are the major benefits of new technologies in the fashion industry?
2. How can the implementation process of the fashion industry change the dimension of the
industry?
3. What are the improved fashion technologies will come in the fashion industry in Saudi
Arabia?
4. How fashion designers are benefited through the use of technology in the fashion industry?
CHAPTER 3
Literature Review
Customer satisfaction process through technologies
The fashion sector is an interesting field of reflection in which to test and discuss the
effectiveness of managerial and governance approaches. The peculiarities of this sector require
attention to be focused on several dimensions that usually are underestimated in other sectors or
markets (Abner & Baytar, 2018). Recognizing the validity of this point, this paper builds upon
the interpretative lens provided by Systems Thinking and Service Logic with the aim of
identifying possible key elements in explaining the relationships between fashion companies’
strategies and customers’ satisfaction in a technology-based environment.
This assisted me to carry out the outcome i.e. a need emerges for further defining of
instruments that are useful for investigating customers’ approach to technology in the fashion sector
and for better analyzing the relevance of technology for customers of the fashion sector. Indeed,
according to the results of the research, this is coherent to me that the influence of technology on
customers’ level of satisfaction is strongly affected by the subjective view and approach to
technology (Abner & Baytar, 2018). Possible investment of fashion companies in technology-based
instruments should then be evaluated on the basis of a clear vision about the role and relevance of
technology for customers. In such a domain, fashion companies could use this positive relationship
by underling their attention to technology and their approach to ICT through clear messages and
communication strategies. Despite the multiple implications that can be derived from the reflections
and research herein, the study cannot be considered exhaustive and several limitations must be
underlined to ensure a clear vision of the contribution. Specifically, the paper proposes only an
explorative study conducted in one country. (Abner & Baytar, 2018).

The effectiveness of technology-based environment and determination of suitable approach
for the fashion companies are significant in that case. The customers will get benefitted by that
process and the satisfaction through products are explained and proved in that case. There are some
relevant approaches of designs and technologies to improve the sense of dresses. Fashion
companies deliver their interaction through ICT and they have some communication strategies to
improve their market. The level of fashion increases through the interrelationship with customers
and the technological advancement makes the process easy for the company. The re-design
perspective and redefine the fashion market was needed to be done by the executives.
Engagement and sustainability of fashion learning
Overall, students completed the assignment more thoroughly and completely when they
had access to the app, as a result getting higher grades. The app and calculation of MSI scores also
allowed students to accurately determine which products had a lower environmental impact by
comparing products and materials more efficiently and effectively. The app allowed students to
generate a concrete number and easily compare the environmental impact of products instead of a
number of more abstract concepts that led to an indefinite overall impact score (Choi, 2018). This
supports the idea that apps can alleviate information overload caused by the availability of
information when Internet browsing. Students also perceived that the app was useful in the
industry by increasing awareness about the impact of materials. The app could be used to evaluate
multiple materials used by many different brands and sectors of the industry that use textile
materials (Choi, 2018). To make the app more useful in industry, students suggested including
information about notions and a way to find MSI scores for fabrics with more than one fibre.
Therefore, creating an MSI score for notions and fabrics made with low-impact technologies
would be a thought-provoking future project for research and education practice. The MSI was
recently updated in terms of methodology and content to include more information about materials
(Choi, 2018). The updated MSI is available for use through a website to the public; however, it is
not as user friendly or intuitive as the app (Choi, 2018). Companies are associated with better
technology delivers good quality of products and that encourage the fashion technology. Online
applications of fashion and apparel platforms are also important and significant for establishment of
the company. The product availability is increased in number. Furthermore, customers can easily
select their product through the application. The engagement will enhance through the process and
better information about the product will be conveyed to public.

Eco-fashion Process
Based on the Eco-tech concept as an effective sustainable collaboration, this study within a
class setting aimed to integrate creative and commercial Eco-fashion and digital technology with
3D moving images. The efficacy of the PBL format in adopting Barrows’s taxonomy was
evaluated through an industry-driven, interdisciplinary collaborative design process that addressed
the Eco-tech concept (Amendola, Calabrese & Caputo, 2018).
Throughout seven hierarchical steps of the collaborative PBL models, this project suggested a
variety of implications, including challenges and learning outcomes. First, compared with a common
fashion design process to achieve Eco-fashion, it was essential to conduct more thorough studies
of the original garment as a major inspiration source and develop practice-led designs, focusing
on the 3D drafting method (Amendola, Calabrese & Caputo, 2018). The problem-solving process
thus resulted in unique, handcrafted, and unconventional designs. Fourth, the couture quality of
the Eco-fashion could promote high-valued market competitiveness, and the digital technology
could promote both ecological awareness and the commercial value of the up-cycled garments.
Fifth, the integrated PBL design process allowed students to accomplish their concepts self-
directly by identifying problems and solutions (Amendola, Calabrese & Caputo, 2018). The
industry-driven Eco-collaboration of the PBL format not only helped students identify initial
concepts but also allowed them to solve technical problems during the development process, and
the interdisciplinary tech collaboration served to achieve the ecological ideals with the digital
manifestation, generating a synergetic effect. In future studies, various types of techniques other
than up cycling, including Eco friendly materials, versatility of garments, and fair-trade product
development, can be applied to identify sustainable solutions (Amendola, Calabrese & Caputo,
2018). Technologies or smart materials might also be incorporated into garments to achieve
perpetual sustainability (Amendola, Calabrese & Caputo, 2018).
Eco-fashion technology is the sustainable technology in business and evaluations of clothing
are important in that case. 3D drafting method of delivering clothes and evaluating the unique
competitiveness was followed in case of making eco-friendly cloths. The commercial values of up-
cycle garments are evaluated and unconventional design making attracts people and engages them
with the company. The identification of the company and their self-reliant approach of making
different products are encouraged in this process. Eco-fashion process has a touch of natural
resources is the key concept to make those clothes.
Fashion Classes and its impact
The results demonstrated preferences in VARK learning styles among apparel and textile
students exists. Previous research suggests background experiences influences learning styles.
However, geographic region and academic level had minimal influence on learning style.

Students seemed predisposed to learning style and, as a result, attracted to one or several
particular major/s. Specifically, fashion students tended to be kin-aesthetic in learning style. These
findings can help instructors better meet the needs of students enrolled in fashion classes (Qiu,
Saiki & Adomaitis, 2018). For example, apparel and textile instructors could incorporate hands-on
experiences for fashion students and limit these exercises for minor students. Apparel and textile
instructors should be aware of the type of students the program might attract for a better
understanding of their students (Qiu, Saiki & Adomaitis, 2018). Apparel and textile programs
should be aware of the type of emphasis they would like to feature, because it influences students
learning approaches in the classroom. For example, if an instructor is aware that the program is
strictly apparel design, the instructors can emphasis kin-aesthetic and visual activities (Qiu, Saiki
& Adomaitis, 2018). If the instructor has fashion business and apparel design students,
aural/auditory activities could be included. In addition, students could complete learning exercises
in groups of students with varying degrees to enhance strengths.
There was some support to the findings from previous research that students do become
more varied with education. Further research could examine VARK learning styles and Kolb’s
approach to learning among apparel and textile to further understand this theoretical relationship
(Qiu, Saiki & Adomaitis, 2018). The kin-aesthetic and visual activities improve as the technologies
come in place. Students will learn about the hands-on experience of apparel and textiles and those
findings will help in case of better approach in understanding and relationship engagement with
customers. The learning style influences the process and there are different fashion studies classes
and the student learns the process of VARK learning style to improve the background experience
from an academic level.
CHAPTER 4
Setting
In this section, social-political context of Saudi Arabia will be considered which is crucial in
informing the investigation. Research has significant role in creating awareness in informing
practice and policy of public sector and in any society. The present evaluation will be done in the
east coast of Saudi Arabia. Though Saudi Arabia is a monarchy, king is considered as head of state
and government both, social and political condition of country is rising as per the modifications in
the trends. In the current era, consumerism is arising in the market and society of Saudi Arabia
which shows western cultural preferences in the nation (Alhamad, (2018)). People give preference
to eco-friendly practices and mainly employ sustainable process for production. In fashion industry,
beside digital trading and e-commerce, advancement in fashion industry and concept of eco-friendly
techniques is promoted by government. Hence, there are positive condition in Saudi Arabia in
context of fashion and emergence of advancement in technologies.

Study Design
Study design refers to the set of processes and methods used in accumulating and assessing
measure of the specified variables in research. This ensure that obtained evidence enable the
researcher to effectively attempt the problem logically as possible. The segment of ethnography
introduced from Anthropology which refers to account for cultures and social levels and defined as
“study of people”. The term is referred from Greek which means people. In this segment,
ethnography focuses on the analysis of language, culture and communication of members in that
certain culture. Hence, qualitative research approaches will be used under this in order to make
appropriate study report and carry out authentic outcome.
Selecting and sampling
Sampling can be defined as the selection process of sample groups from an entire population
of interest in order to carry the information and authentic data related to research. Population in the
research is the larger group from which people are finalised to give their views in a study. In this
research, the population is fashion consumers or service users (Ahmed, S. (2014)). There are
basically two types of sampling technique i.e. random and non-random sampling. In this research,
simple random sampling method will be selected in order to carry out fair representation of
population and relevant information from respondents.
Data Collection Method
Data collection can refer to the process of accumulating information from entire authentic
sources to seek answers to the identified research problems, questions or test hypothesis and assess
the outcome. Data collection techniques are classified into two categories i.e. primary and
secondary data collection.
 Primary Data Collection: In this, new, unused or freshly accumulated content is being used
to support the evidence which researcher accumulate through different data collection tools.
Different tools such as questionnaire, focus group study, survey, interviews etc. are used as
per the type of primary data collection methods i.e. segregated into two parts. In qualitative;
focus on nature of study, experience, emotions is done using interview, observations or
open-ended questions. In quantitative; statics and facts are main focus i.e. carried out using
questionnaire etc.
 Secondary Data Collection: This is a sort of data which has been already published or used
in newspaper, magazines, online portals, journals, books or broadcast in media. There is
plenty of information available in such sources in context of researcher’s area of interest,
study or investigation. In this, evaluation of content is done from secondary source to
support the study by evidences (Alhamad, (2018)).
In this research, primary data collection methods will be used to gather new data and
information associated with research subject. Interview data collection tools will be used to meet
mix research criteria.

Data Analysis Procedure
Process of data analysis include methods and action performed on content that assist in
describing facts, develop explanation, detect patterns and test hypotheses. This comprises assurance
of data quality, statistical data evaluation, interpretation of outcome and modelling. As the research
has undertaken mix data discussion using primary data collection procedure for which information
will be interpreted and analysed (Adams, (2016)). Initially, two distinct processes will be used for
the investigation. For statics and facts, the survey methods will be opted using Statistical Package
for Social Science (SPSS), statistical data analysis software to outline inferences about age,
participants, ethnicity etc. The outcome of research from the quantitative data will be accumulated
using open-ended interview question (Attached in Appendix) through the report and also deliver
respondents the opportunities to explain the findings in case of misinterpretation. Through this,
research will manage the quality of study and information gather by researcher, at the same time,
managing facts and statics of report in systematic form. This process can help the researcher to
arrive at the process of analysis and shape the way to create authentic outcome out of the conducted
study.
Ethical Consideration
As I have already undertaken some of the concerns in which ethical issues are addressed
while completing the research study. This segment of research highlights on other ethical
consideration which are needed to be undertaken in the project. There are numerous determinants
which are required to be outlined including authenticity of research, confidentiality of report etc.
This study will be conducted as per the norms and guidelines of University Ethic Committee.
British Educational Research Association provided a guideline which is obtained along with a
certificate from University of Exeter for effective management. An informed consent from
respondents is acquired by investigator and their secrecy of given information will be managed.
CHAPTER 5
Discussion
This report states that in order to meet consumer satisfaction, technology based environment
and services are essential and most appropriate approach for fashion enterprises which can benefit
not only organisation but also can facilitate distinct merits to consumer. Organisations, nowadays,
encourage quality services and goods along with technological advancement to create sustainable
environment and increase product availability. Researcher identifies that eco-fashion concept is
becoming popular in Saudi Arabia which target to integrate commercial and creative sustainable
fashion along with digital technology (Alhamad, (2018)). Eco-fashion technique is a creative
sustainable technological invention in business that Saudi Arabia is promoting in order to create
drastic advancement in fashion industry. Report discusses different procedure and techniques used
for implementation of technological advancement in fashion industry, assessing its impact on

industry, fashion designers and organisations as well. Numerous approaches and methods will be
used for making proper evaluation of subject and come up with determined outcome.
Possible limitation to the study
Limitations can refer to the influencers that the investigator can control and restrain the
development of report. The researcher has faced numerous issues while developing the report
including over-costing, confidentiality of report, large population size etc. These are possible
limitations in the report which can create obstacles in accomplishing the final outcome ((Adams,
(2016)). Researcher need to keep secrecy in context of responder’s personal information and need
to set a systematic sample to accumulate information in certain manner. Also, investigator needs to
create an action chart and proper budget to avoid the probability of over-coasting of the mentioned
research.

CHAPTER 6
References
Abner, M., & Baytar, F. (2018). Apps to increase student engagement: a case of textiles and apparel
sustainability education. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and
Education, 1-9.
Adams, P. (2016). Exploring social constructivism: theories and practicalities, Education
3(13), 34:3, 243-257, DOI: 10.1080/03004270600898893.
Ahmed, S. (2014). The cultural politics of emotion. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Alhamad, R. (2018). Challenges and induction needs of novice English as foreign language
teachers in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 6(1),
50-63.
Amendola, C., Calabrese, M., & Caputo, F. (2018). Fashion companies and customer satisfaction: A
relation mediated by Information and Communication Technologies. Journal of Retailing
and Consumer Services, 43, 251-257.
Choi, K. H. (2018). Eco-tech fashion project: collaborative design process using problem-based
learning. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, 1-13.
Khan, M. R. (2016). Entrepreneurship ecosystem evolution strategy of Saudi Arabia. International
Entrepreneurship| Przedsiębiorczość Międzynarodowa, 2(2), 67-92.
Maryam, A., Maarop, N., & Ibrahim, R. (2015). Factors Influencing Customers Engagement in
Social Media for Co-creation In The Fashion Industry Of Saudi Arabia,”. In International
Conference on Information Technology & Society, June (pp. 53-63).
Qiu, H., Saiki, D., & Adomaitis, A. D. (2018). Learning styles of students enrolled in fashion
classes: academic level, geographic region, and academic focus. International Journal of
Fashion Design, Technology and Education, 1-10.