The Value of Design Collaboration in the Fashion Business: A Literature Review

Design is not a simple task; it requires the participation and collaboration of various value chain members. In this study, a selection of papers focusing on design collaboration in the fashion industry is reviewed. Four important value creation approaches in design collaboration are discussed: organizational, process, information, and electronic coordination. Among these categories, electronic coordination is a bridge for connecting organizations, processes, and information. With an electronically coordinated information system, an organization is able to participate in the design process; the co-design process can be implemented by individuals or organizations in the electronic system, and design information can be shared through electronic systems such as computer-aided design between individuals or organizations. Further, the benefits of design collaboration in the fashion business are explored. It is concluded that design collaboration is beneficial, as it can shorten lead times, enhance product quality, reduce product returns, optimize resources, and enhance the customer experience.