          Sketch books are used by designers as they can be taken anywhere and can be used to record ideas and collect relevant information such as........

Fabric samples Trimmings Drawings Quick sketches Painting Photographs Notes and annotations Possible colour ways Magazine/newspaper clippings.

 These are also a popular tool as they help to communicate the overall style or feel.

 A mood board  Brings the images and ideas together  Provides a visual summary or the mood of the design  Usually does not have detailed information  The main focal point should be just off centre.

 Mood boards can be used.....

 To provide a focus for new design ideas  Can help finalise the colours,or patterns or textures  Develop styles in the clothing or products  Can help determine target markets  Can communicate ideas to clients.

 Trend boards  Are similar to mood boards  Suggest what future trends might be  Are usually produced for an event.

 Trend Books  Also focus on future trends  Are a mixture of data and images  Are constantly used when developing a new product

        A designer might be working on a range two years before it hits the shops.

To make sure a product is on trend they will use special agencies to forecast for them.

These companies collect information and data about Lifestyle Popular culture New fibres and materials Technological developments What happening in the field of design. So this allows them to predict future trends.