Determination of performance criteria with information used in clothing design and their analysis through design

The type of information used in the design process is an important determinant in terms of both design quality and consumer suitability. The aim of this research is to determine the effects of trend, consumer, and brand information involved in the design process on the design performance of garments. A mixed-method approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods was applied in this research. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 fashion designers working in the fashion industry. The content analysis method was used with the MAXQDA 24 program to determine the information used in the design process and the evaluation criteria. In the study, 6 designers designed 6 blouses and 6 dresses using trend information, and 6 blouses and 6 dresses using the trend consumer and brand information set. These designs were evaluated by 31 fashion designers according to the criteria determined in the qualitative phase. The data obtained were analyzed at each criterion level using the SPSS program, paired samples t-tests and independent samples t-tests. The research findings reveal significant differences in some performance criteria depending on the information set used and the type of garment. While the trend information set highlights criteria such as differentiation in designers' designs, the consumer and brand information sets have provided a clear advantage in consumer oriented criteria and contributed to shaping designs more appropriately aligned with target audience expectations. The results obtained reveal that information sets are decisive in shaping design outputs, that an information-based design approach improves design performance, and that it increases the suitability of designs for consumers.