Program Overview

Course Overview

The Wearable Design course, DSDN 153, is an introductory program that focuses on the principles of wearable design. Students will learn about material properties, develop design models, and produce forms related to the human body. The course emphasizes pattern design methods, covering various approaches, and explores historical and cultural theories related to fashion, including Mtauranga Mori.

Course Details

• Course Code: DSDN 153
• Duration: 17 weeks
• Start Date: 23 February 2026
• End Date: 21 June 2026
• Trimester: Trimester 1
• Campus: Te Aro
• Fees:
  • Domestic students: NZ$1,083.45
  • International students: NZ$5,235.75
• Lecture Times:
  • Monday: 12.40pm
  • Thursday: 12.40pm
• Estimated Workload: Approximately 150 hours or 8.8 hours per week
• Points: 15

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: None
• Corequisites: None
• Restrictions: Students who have already passed FADN 101 cannot take this course.

Course Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Articulate design solutions with clarity, empathy, and insightful reflection.
2. Use an iterative process to create a design solution.
3. Identify key historic and contemporary moments in the development of fashion design.
4. Demonstrate an openness to explore a range of ideas and take risks in response to project challenges.
5. Participate constructively in discussion in relation to their own work and that of their peers.

Teaching Method

The course includes lectures, studios, and tutorials that require in-person attendance. Lecture recordings will be made available for subsequent revision.

Assessment

• Phase 1: Collaborative project (20% of the total mark, expected workload outside of class time: 20 hours)
• Phase 2: Experiments in texture, colour, and surface pattern (40% of the total mark, expected workload outside of class time: 40 hours)
• Phase 3: Visions of Fashion (40% of the total mark, expected workload outside of class time: 42 hours)

Mandatory Requirements

To pass the course, students must achieve an overall pass mark of at least 50% and complete the compulsory First Year Student Health & Safety Induction and Basic Machinery Training Workshop.

Group Work

50% of Phase 1 is assessed as group work, which equates to 10% of the total course assessment.

Additional Requirements

Students are recommended to purchase tool kits from the Technical Resource Centre on Level 0 of the Vivian Street Building.