In the age of technology, more and more industries are seeing transformative digitisation. But, what technologies might have the biggest impact on the fashion industry? Let’s take a look.
Quantum computing
Over the years, a multitude of different sectors have been impacted by changes in technology. These technological changes affect the way in which things work, how we operate, and the accessibility of different industries. At its most basic level, the most profound impact allows traditionally in-person activities to be digitised.
Take card games or clothes shopping, for example – instead of having to get out a deck of cards or pop down the road to your local shops, you can try something new and play blackjack online games from the comfort of your own home, and browse internet-hosted fashion catalogues, using any device with internet connectivity. However, it doesn’t end there – technological transformations are becoming more and more complex, and, perhaps the most complex of them all is quantum computing – a concept so complex that it has become synonymous with ‘the great unknown’, inspiring a wide range of mysterious-themed media – even blackjack games like Live Quantum Blackjack and Quantum Blackjack Plus.
Put simply, quantum computing is the use of leveraging the laws of quantum mechanics to do calculations, solve problems, and carry out functions that are too complex for traditional computers. Traditional computers work in binary code – this means that everything has to be a combination of ones and zeros. In any state, something can only be a one or a zero. However, by unleashing the laws of quantum mechanics, using quantum computing, something can simultaneously be a one and a zero at the same time.
In the context of the fashion industry, quantum computing could reduce environmental impact, as designers could use simulations of materials, designs, and different fabrics, rather than having to produce multiple physical prototypes. In addition, this can speed up the design process, and reduce waste. Further to this, quantum computing could calculate the most energy-efficient way to produce the finalised garments, package them, and distribute them to sellers and consumers alike, reducing overall carbon emissions.
Machine learning
Both designers and consumers not only look at current fashion trends but also future trends, in order to make sure that designs stay relevant for as long as possible. However, currently, fashion trend forecasters conduct and gather primary and secondary research into the current trends and consumer behaviour, analyse data, and come up with largely speculative predictions based on their intuition. Due to this, a lot of time and money can be spent on just forecasting fashion trends – and there’s no guarantee that they will be correct.
But, this is where machine learning comes in handy. Data can be automatically gathered and analysed by AI, which will highlight what consumers are purchasing, and any rising trends. As the platform is consistently fed with new information, the machine can literally learn what consumers want. In doing so, machine learning will be able to forecast future trends of the industry as well as estimate demand. Through this, fashion businesses will be better placed to make more informed decisions.
As you can see, there are many ways in which AI and other technologies could transform the fashion industry in the future. With these technologies, the fashion industry might be able to reduce carbon footprint, optimise efficiency, and better predict future fashion trends.
