The process that turns an idea for a beautiful piece of clothing into a sketch, a sketch into a pattern and a pattern into an actual garment is often long and tedious, but computer-aided design technology can help.

Known as CAD, this technology was incorporated into the University's Apparel Design Program in 1982, making UD one of the first three university programs in the country to use it. Since then, the CAD lab has continually been upgraded and expanded to keep pace with the cutting edge of the industry.

The lab now includes new software that enables students to translate their designs into three-dimensional computer images.

"The software was donated by Gerber Technologies, and we were one of the first apparel design departments in the country to get it," Jo Kallal, professor of consumer studies who instituted the original CAD lab 21 years ago, says. "It's extremely helpful to students as they learn how to get the results they want. Students need to be able to visualize their two-dimensional pattern pieces as a three-dimensional garment, and this software enables them to do that."

The ability to use CAD technology also is a highly marketable skill for students to learn, Kallal says.

In addition to the software that transforms a flat pattern into a three-dimensional view, other programs in the CAD lab allow students to use a computer mouse equipped with a wheel to draw a garment and then see what it would look like in various colors, weaves and weights of fabric. The lab also features an oversized drawing board, where students can spread out a pattern and move an electronic cursor over the paper or muslin pieces, digitizing the design into the computer.

Starting as sophomores, apparel design majors become familiar with the CAD technology by using the lab as one component of some courses. Later, two courses are offered that focus entirely on CAD--one on fashion design and forecasting, the other on mass-market apparel design and product development.

"We don't just teach them how to use the technology," Kallal says. "We teach them how to use it within the context of solving design problems, because that's what it's all about."