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University of Leeds

Innovation: the Fashion Industry

University of Leeds via FutureLearn

Overview

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This course introduces a case study showing how Marks & Spencer has been a key innovator in fashion, introducing new fabrics that make our lives easier and more comfortable.

You will see how M&S continues to drive innovation to bring consumers new and better products. You will also consider your own clothing and its innovation story, research how a favourite item of clothing is the result of innovative developments in the industry and share your findings with other learners.

This course is part of the Going to University collection which has been specifically designed for students at schools and colleges. They provide a taster of undergraduate study at the University of Leeds and help students to decide which subject to study at university.

Completion of the courses will also enhance students’ university applications.

The courses can also be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource.

Courses in this collection are also great for people that want an introduction in the specific subjects discussed in each course.

Syllabus

  • Exploring fashion innovation
    • Welcome
    • Thinking about fashion innovation
    • Case study: incremental innovation at M&S
    • Summary
  • A fashion story
    • About Week 2
    • Innovation in action
    • Your turn
    • Summary

Taught by

Dan Trowsdale

Reviews

4.5 rating, based on 44 Class Central reviews

4.6 rating at FutureLearn based on 63 ratings

Start your review of Innovation: the Fashion Industry

  • Anonymous
    Good videos and articles explored the topic in depth. It doesn't give you any new skills, but it's interesting knowledge.
  • Profile image for MARCIO LEANDRO DOS ANJOS DA SILVA
    MARCIO LEANDRO DOS ANJOS DA SILVA
    De acordo com todos os conteúdos passados para nos cursando foi bem realizado e de suma importância.
  • Anonymous
    This course gave me an insight into how the fashion industry has developed over time and worked its way through tricky situations, but mostly it has been very interesting to learn different info that I never knew. The 'mini quizzes' on the course he…
  • Bethany Ellis
    The course had a mix of elements and only very briefly touched on certain areas it is useful if you have a very basic interest and just want to get a feel for some elements of the topic but be aware it has very little in-depth information
  • Anonymous
    I joined this course because of the lock down and I have enjoyed it very very much!
    I enjoyed learning from the tutors and from the M&S professionals, and was amazed at how much I enjoyed doing the research into products and manufacturing. I learnt how to make a video of my findings, but sadly, not how to load it up to this site.
    Some mention that it was too easy. You can put as much into it as you want, and you can research as far into the subject as you like. A short course like this opens our eyes to how much more there is to find out! I am long since retired, but study wil be my new hobby. Many thanks Leeds University and M&S.
  • Anonymous
    I joined this course as I was interested to discover its content; I wanted to find out how it had moved on in the sixty years when I started out with similar dreams. Then girls were restricted in the paths they could take. Fortunately, times have…
  • Anonymous
    The course material and content was great.
    Great course address’s innovation in fashion Industry . Th learning method used is great . I would like to see more courses content about fashion in business and business in fashion courses please.
  • Anonymous
    I found this easy to follow and learned loads about; innovation, the fashion industry and sustainability. I particularly liked the video with the M&S Sustainability Director.

    Creating a video was an unexpected but actually okay ending to this short course.

    I would recommend it, it is a good taster of what's on offer at Leeds University.
  • Ashrafe Mahmud Prova
    Interesting introduction course. I am encouraged by the enthusiasm in the comments and hope they succeed in what is a very competitive career.
  • Profile image for Salome Kilanava
    Salome Kilanava
    Through the course I could see how M&S continues to drive innovation in order to provide customers with new and improved products.
  • Anonymous
    It was too simple and easy. Maybe it is suitable for someone who would like to start studying fashion from scratch, but it's still pretty pointless
  • Profile image for Amy Mor
    Amy Mor
    It was easy to take the curse with no previous knowledge of the subject. I also felt confortable with the level of english since it its no my language.
  • Anonymous
    I really enjoy this course. An eyes-opener to the fashion world and its innovation along the way that contributes to sustainability. Insightful module and useful references. Great course!
    Thank you.
  • Oluwatosin Bukunmi Rotimi
    Course was well delivered. Dr. Mark Sumner delivered with so much insight. This had made me register for one of Leed's MSc. Courses. It's a 2-hour course but lifelong experience and impact.
  • Anonymous
    This is an easy introduction to innovation in the fashion industry but many of the ideas and guidance apply to almost any manufactured item from cars to computers. I found the insights into design and innovation fascinating. Now we are all becomin…
  • Anonymous
    Week 1 was really informative and it was really interesting about how M&S we’re developing the iconic suit and working with stitching that could break up. My own issue with this course was that the information was outdated 2014 research and the M&S…
  • Anonymous
    Even though I have no background in fashion, I really enjoyed the course. There was a lot of interesting information about innovation which I never knew about before. It was a real eye-opener into the world of innovation and fashion and it has sparked an interest in me which I would definitely like to pursue further. My only gripe would be that it was a little bit short! I would have loved if it was just a little longer and a bit more challenging. Nevertheless, I would fully recommend this course to anyone interested in innovation, and of any age group! It seems to be mainly aimed at secondary school and university students, but I´m 45 and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
  • Anonymous
    Superb learning with interesting videos, theory and innovations. Loved the M&S Sustainability Director”s passion. Was surprised to be asked to create a video of learning but it was fun. I liked how the course was delivered in two weeks but remember there are articles to read and videos to watch. I made extra time because I was enjoying the topic. I feel more confident to convey information to the young people I work with about sustainability in the fashion industry. I would recommend this free learning and the courses at University of Leeds sound great. Everyone is kind and supportive in the comments too.
  • Anonymous
    This course gave me an insight into how the fashion industry has developed over time and worked its way through tricky situations, but mostly it has been very interesting to learn different info that I never knew.
    I enjoyed learning from the tutors and from the M&S professionals, and was amazed at how much I enjoyed doing the research into products and manufacturing. I learnt how to make a video of my findings, but sadly, not how to load it up to this site.
    Good videos and articles explored the topic in depth. It doesn't give you any new skills, but it's interesting knowledge.
  • Anonymous
    This course gives very good insight into the development and marketing of new ideas in fashion technology.

    It would be good if it were expanded into a longer course with more production techniques shown.

    I'm kind of hoping someone might comment on my small project: nothing yet, but I only put it up last night. There were only a few people taking this course as it is really just a 'taster'.

    There were some very useful insights though, which I will take into account as I hopefully develop a weaving/textiles business.

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