Mass Customization
Humans come in a very wide range of shapes. A tailor can recognize the similarities in dissimilar bodies and make informed choices , while a computer must be programmed for every eventuality. With technologies that allow 3D body scanning, measurements can be collected, transferred to a software to automatically locate body landmarks and generate measurements. These measurements are very reliable, but protocols for locating body landmarks still need to be perfected. The most important and difficult issue concerns the “ease” values, i.e., extra fabric that allows for movement (wearing ease) and creates the desired silhouette (design ease). A second critical issue is individuals with distinctive fit preferences. Ultimately, fit preference issues must be resolved if mass customization systems are to be successful.