Exploring Factors Influencing students’ Intention to Adopt 3D Virtual Prototyping in Textile and Apparel Education: Job Relevance as a Moderator

This study’s purpose was to examine factors influencing students’ intention to adopt 3D virtual prototyping technology and the moderating role of job relevance in textile and apparel education. An extension of the technology acceptance model (TAM) was adopted to frame the study. An online survey was conducted with 161 students enrolled in 12 textile- and apparel-related courses. The results indicated that perceived usefulness and enjoyment make a significant positive impact on intention to adopt the technology, while perceived ease of use did not exert a significant effect. Job relevance exerted a moderating effect on the relationship between technology attributes and adoption intention. These findings validate the extended TAM model’s theoretical implications and provide valuable insights for educators, highlighting the key motivational factors that drive students’ use of 3D virtual prototyping technology and supporting development of digital competencies in future decision-making amid the ongoing digital transformation of the apparel industry.