Design research for designers new to this specialisation

Designers Interested in designing for this exciting and growing market must be in no doubt as to the seriousness of identifying and fully understanding the needs of the end user. Designers have to be clear of the advantages in designing products which are successful both from technical and aesthetic view points. A product will not "sell" if it looks good but does not work or equally if it works but does not look attractive to the identified end user.

Designers must acknowledge the importance of understanding, prioritising and weighting the broad range of elements to be considered in the design research process. Market and brand awareness, an appreciation of the extreme technical design requirements, the tradition or youth culture behind the sport and the possible influence of fashion cannot be fully understood without consulting the end user. Appropriate initial guidance, in this design research process, is given in this CD-ROM. This method of working should become logical to all those wishing to involved themselves in sport and its culture prior to commencing design work.

The rapidly developing sportswear market demands qualified designers who have a true understanding of the mix-of knowledge and skills required in the design research and development of activewear products to suit the specific requirements of the end user. The combination of factors for consideration includes both an aesthetic and technical appreciation of , , , , and .