Apparel Flats Assessment Gem
Project Overview
For this proposed project, I will develop and implement an AI-Driven Formative Assessment Gem - custom Gemini - for Apparel Flats (a “flat” is a detailed, two dimensional technical drawing of a garment that shows its design features as if it were laid flat) using Gemini’s multimodal capabilities.
Across the apparel industry, flats are typically created using Adobe Illustrator. This software is not new to apparel design students, but the use of it in the creation of flats requires students to be detail oriented and exact. As this tool and method are almost universally used to communicate apparel design, students must complete a new garment flat - to exact specifications - each class period for 8 class periods, at an increasing level of difficulty. Currently, students work through each garment at their own pace, following a provided instructional video I created. This instruction technique works well, however, flats are time consuming to grade and timely feedback is important. As class sizes get larger, this issue can lead to serious setbacks if a student’s errors are not corrected at the beginning of their learning process.
Project Mechanics: When a student uploads their flat, the system will do the following:
1. Perform a Visual and Geometric Analysis: Gemini will analyze the image data to check for technical drawing errors, such as, pen/unclosed vector paths or garment foundational details such as silhouette inaccuracy, missing stitching, incorrect zipper type, etc.
2. Provide correction: Direct students to timestamps in instructional videos that correct the specific issue.
The result is instant, targeted correction the student receives before submitting the assignment. For example, instead of receiving a screenshot of the error on their assignment rubric days after submitting, a student instantly receives feedback: "The angle of the sleeve opening is inaccurate. See Tutorial 3.1: Using direct select to fix a silhouette."
My hope is that students:
- Develop a greater sense of autonomy and personal responsibility
- Correct errors early on in the learning process
- Learn to use AI as a tool to supplement their accuracy (not replace their creativity or individuality)
- Use this tool as a first response to objective feedback allowing for more in class instructional feedback to relate to nuanced and design development