About the DCL

What is the full name of the lab?

Michelle Lynn Dauterman Computer Aided Design and Instruction Laboratory

How was the lab started?

Michelle Lynn Dauterman was a former student in the apparel product development program and one of Dr. Nancy A. Rudd's special students. Michelle passed away unexpectedly in 1994. In memory of their daughter, her parents, Fred Dauterman, an Ohio State University alumnus, and his wife, Alta, created a generous endowment to build this long-awaited facility. This living legacy to their daughter opened on her birthday in September 1999.

Additional support was provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP and the Leo Yassenoff Foundation, along with other friends and family members.

Gerber Technology, Dallas, TX, contributed a portion of the software and faculty training for their products.

What equipment and software is in the lab?

• 15 work stations, with an expected growth to 20 stations.
• CAD software used by 85 percent of the industry that employs CAD technology.
  • Artworks Expert Edition by Gerber Garment Technology
  • PDM (Product Data Management) by Gerber Garment Technology
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Corel Painter
  • iGrafx Designer
  • Autodesk AUTOCAD
  • Kinetics 3D Studio Max
• Superior quality peripherals for this CAD system include:
  • LCD projector
  • 4 color printers
  • Wacom graphic tablets for each station
  • 2 scanners
• Future needs as the lab continues to grow:
  • Color plotter for creating life-size patterns
  • Pattern grading & marking software for each station (Gerber Accumark)
  • Additional scanners & color laser printers for better performance

What is CAD?

CAD is an abbreviation of Computer Aided Design.

In applied art fields, like apparel and interior design, CAD technology is becoming more popular in the industry. Students in apparel and interior design programs are in demand for key positions in the industry and are hired by major industry leaders. To be competitive and prepared for a highly technological industry, CAD experience is critical.

What are the benefits of CAD for apparel and interior products?

CAD techniques enable us to:

• Visualize the finished design products
• Simulate all the production levels from fabric creation to a marketing plan for the products
• Increase productivity using computer capabilities
• Standardize design output so that production is easier