3DRC 2024 Shareout & 2025 Roadmap

The 3DRC 2024 Shareout & 2025 Roadmap session brought together industry leaders, educators, and innovators to discuss the accomplishments of the past year and outline goals for the future. Hosted by the 3D Retail Coalition (3DRC), the session highlighted key initiatives across its innovation, education, and technology subcommittees, emphasizing the organization’s mission to advance 3D technology in retail. 

Topics included the development of tools for digital materials interoperability, education certification programs, and plans to tackle challenges such as digital fit standards and universal file formats. The session underscored the importance of collaboration across brands, academia, and technology providers to drive meaningful change and create a more sustainable and innovative industry.

Don’t have time to watch the full video on-demand? Scroll down for a summary of the session’s key takeaways…

Key Takeaways by Subcommittee:

(A) Innovation:

Accomplishments:

• Released an updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for fabric physics testing, available on the 3DRC website.
• Launched a beta version of an online conversion tool to standardize fabric physics data across 3D platforms.
• Presented SOP advancements at international conferences in Germany and Serbia.

Challenges:

• Difficulty collaborating with software providers who maintain proprietary testing methods.

2025 Goals:

• Expand the online conversion tool to include additional 3D software.
• Develop a validation methodology and digital tolerance standards for materials testing.
• Collaborate with the Technology Committee on universal file formats.

(B) Education:

Accomplishments:

• Developed a comprehensive skill matrix for roles like 3D apparel designer and 3D artist.
• Partnered with the Textile and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission (TAPAC) to certify educational programs.
• Successfully piloted a certification program at Oklahoma State University.

Challenges:

• Need for broader industry feedback to align certification programs with market needs.

2025 Goals:

• Expand certifications to include footwear, accessories, and hard goods.
• Build a database of industry-relevant technologies and host educational workshops.
• Publish a blueprint for building effective 3D teams.

(C) Technology:

Accomplishments:

• Initiated the development of an interchangeable soft-fitting garment file type in partnership with Kronos.
• Transitioned the committee focus to Technical Fit for 2025.

2025 Goals:

• Outline the digital fit process and prioritize industry challenges such as inconsistent sizing standards, interoperability, and privacy concerns.
• Partner with other committees to address overlapping issues like education and interoperability.

General Observations:

• The 3DRC Grand Challenge continues to inspire innovation, welcoming submissions from startups and academic researchers for its seventh year. The theme of the 2025 challenge will be announced early next year.
• Industry-wide collaboration is key to addressing persistent challenges, such as software interoperability and adoption of 3D technologies.
• Greater representation from brands, educators, and engineers is crucial to achieving committee goals.

Noteworthy Quotes:

Sandy Gagnon, Sr Director – 3D Virtual Transformation, Target
“We provide both direction, resource, and networking opportunities to help all of you and all of our members unlock and accelerate the value of 3D digital transformation.”
“We (the industry) own it, we drive it, and we get to have a say in how it goes.”

Michelle Greenhouse, Sr 3D Artist & Materials Manager, Target
“A universal 3D physics test set would dramatically change the way that we work today by eliminating the need to test a single fabric multiple times to support the data needs of each 3D solution.”
“It’s not only about efficiency. We hope this work will shift the digitization process to the suppliers, drive consistency, and build confidence in 3D.”
“We hope our online conversion tool makes it simpler for anyone, even without a testing background, to use the data efficiently.”

Esteban Garza, Technical Manager, Kalypso:
“We love collaborating with more brands. The feedback we get is what makes our tools and standards better.”

Safir Bellali, Digital Innovation Champion, Designer, Strategic Advisor, Aliph
“Our mission is to ensure alignment between industry, academia, and the technology partners that support them both.”
“We want to create resources that empower leaders to maximize available skills and advocate for change effectively.”

Lynn Boorady, Department Head, Professor, Oklahoma State University
“Oklahoma State University has already graduated students through the certification process, proving it to be a success.”
“We need industry professionals to help accredit these programs and ensure the skills matrix meets real-world needs.”

Chelsea Snyder, Senior Technical Consultant, Kalypso:
“We aim to build a blueprint for creating and managing successful 3D teams and to pilot it for refinement in the coming year.”

Alison Coddaire, Retail, Warehouse & Logistics Lead, Kalypso
“The industry has expressed a need for aligning digital fit standards and processes, and that’s what we aim to address with the new Technical Fit Committee.”
“We want to solve these challenges collaboratively and drive the industry forward.”

Closing Remarks:
“We’re answering the questions of today but building for the technology and the future of the industry for tomorrow.”
“The 3DRC is for everyone – no matter where you are in your 3D journey, there’s a place for you.”

For more information about the 3DRC and how to become a member, please click here.

The 3DRC will be attending PI Apparel’s March 2025 Stride event in Portland where they will discuss:

• Developing an Educational Framework for the Development of 3D Skills for Footwear
• A 3DRC Call to Action: Is There a Need & Want for a New Subcommittee Focussed on Footwear Digitization?

For more information about the event, click on the image below…