9. Wearables¶

Research¶

The concept of "wearable" in textile design refers to materials that can be effectively incorporated into weaving. Fibers, yarns, and threads are key examples, as their flexibility allows them to be woven together in a warp-and-weft pattern to produce fabric. Traditional options like cotton, wool, and silk remain popular due to their resilience and adaptability during the weaving process. However, contemporary textiles now also feature synthetic materials, such as polyester, as well as advanced conductive threads. These innovations enable fabrics to transmit electrical signals, paving the way for smart textiles with interactive and functional properties.

REFERENCES & INSPIRATION¶

In today’s competitive market, manufacturers prioritize fulfilling consumer demands, especially in the textile and fashion sectors. A key innovation driving this evolution is the integration of cutting-edge technology into fabrics, giving rise to "smart clothing." Unlike conventional wearable gadgets, these garments maintain a traditional appearance while embedding advanced functionalities directly into the fabric.

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INSPIRATION¶

1. Studio XO (Tech-Infused Avant-Garde Fashion)¶

Inspired by Studio XO’s boundary-pushing fusion of fashion and technology, I aim to design a wearable textile that combines avant-garde silhouettes with interactive functionality. Their experimental use of sound-reactive fabrics and holographic elements motivates me to explore embedded sensors or dynamic lighting systems in textiles. This approach resonates with my goal of creating garments that are not just visually striking but also responsive to their environment.

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2. Anrealage (Japanese Light-Responsive Design)¶

Drawing inspiration from Anrealage’s innovative light-reactive collections, I envision a textile that transforms under different lighting conditions. Their mastery of photochromic fabrics and geometric patterns encourages me to experiment with UV-sensitive dyes or fiber-optic weaving techniques. This aligns with my interest in designs that merge traditional craftsmanship with futuristic, adaptive aesthetics.

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Tools¶

Exploring Visual Actuators: Circuit Experimentation & Wearable Integration During Week 5 of the course, I delved into practical experiments with different electronic circuits and components. This phase was crucial for understanding their behavior, testing interoperability, and optimizing configurations to enhance functionality. Through systematic trial and error, I gained valuable insights into component interactions, which informed the design of my final wearable project. These experiments ensured seamless integration of hardware into my envisioned device.

Required Components¶

To replicate this setup, you’ll need:

Arduino – The central microcontroller for programming and control.

LEDs – Provide dynamic lighting effects for visual feedback.

Jumper Wires – Enable secure connections between components.

Battery Pack – Powers the system for untethered wearable use.

Tools¶

FIRST EXPERIMENT FAILED¶

Process and workflow¶

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My sketches are ...

This schematic ¹ was obtained by..

This tutorial ² was created using..

footnote fabrication files

Fabrication files are a necessary element for evaluation. You can add the fabrication files at the bottom of the page and simply link them as a footnote. This was your work stays organised and files will be all together at the bottom of the page. Footnotes are created using [ ^ 1 ] (without spaces, and referenced as you see at the last chapter of this page) You can reference the fabrication files to multiple places on your page as you see for footnote nr. 2 also present in the Gallery.

Code used¶

Use the three backticks to separate code.

// the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {
  // initialize digital pin LED_BUILTIN as an output.
  pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}

// the loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH);   // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
  delay(1000);                       // wait for a second
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW);    // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
  delay(1000);                       // wait for a second
}

Results¶

Smart Cap: Vibration Feedback System¶

Materials Needed¶

To build this interactive cap, you’ll need:

✅ A standard cap (base for the project)

✅ DC Mini vibration motor

✅ Conductive thread or thin flexible wires

✅ Battery holder

✅ ultra sonic

✅ Xiao microcontroller

✅ Needle & thread

wearables

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide¶

1️⃣ Prepare the Cap

Use a standard cap as the foundation.

The system will activate (vibrate) when worn and deactivate when removed.

2️⃣ Attach the Vibration Motor

Sew the motor inside the cap, ideally near the forehead area for noticeable feedback.

For stability, create a small fabric pocket or use stitches to secure it in place.

3️⃣ Build the Circuit

Using conductive thread(best option)

Connect the motor’s positive terminal to the battery’s positive side.

Link the motor’s negative terminal to the battery’s negative side.

If using a Xiao microcontroller, integrate it into the circuit for advanced control.

4️⃣ Secure & Insulate Wiring Prevent short circuits by insulating exposed conductive threads.

Use fabric glue, clear nail polish, or heat-shrink tubing to protect connections.

5️⃣ Final Testing Wear the cap to ensure the motor activates upon contact.

Adjust sensitivity or placement if needed for optimal performance.

wearables

Code used¶

#define TRIG_PIN 9
#define ECHO_PIN 10

#define LED1 4
#define LED2 5
#define LED3 7
#define LED4 6
#define LED5 8

const int ledPins[] = {LED1, LED2, LED3, LED4};
const int ledCount = sizeof(ledPins) / sizeof(ledPins[0]);

unsigned long lastStepTime = 0;
const unsigned long interval = 300; // 300ms
int ledIndex = 0;

float distance = 0;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  pinMode(TRIG_PIN, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(ECHO_PIN, INPUT);
  pinMode(LED5,OUTPUT);

  for (int i = 0; i < ledCount; i++) {
    pinMode(ledPins[i], OUTPUT);
  }
}

void loop() {
  measureDistance();

  if (distance < 10) {
    unsigned long currentMillis = millis();
    if (currentMillis - lastStepTime >= interval) {
      lastStepTime = currentMillis;

      //Turn on motor
      digitalWrite(LED5,0);

      // Turn off all LEDs first
      for (int i = 0; i < ledCount; i++) {
        digitalWrite(ledPins[i], LOW);
      }

      // Turn on only the current LED
      digitalWrite(ledPins[ledIndex], HIGH);

      // Move to next LED in sequence
      ledIndex = (ledIndex + 1) % ledCount;
    }
  } else {
    //Resets all LEDs
      digitalWrite(LED5,1);
    // Reset LEDs if distance >= 9
    for (int i = 0; i < ledCount; i++) {
      digitalWrite(ledPins[i], LOW);
    }
    ledIndex = 0; // Reset animation index
  }

  delay(100);
}

// Function to measure distance
void measureDistance() {
  digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, LOW);
  delayMicroseconds(2);
  digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, HIGH);
  delayMicroseconds(10);
  digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, LOW);

  long duration = pulseIn(ECHO_PIN, HIGH, 30000);
  distance = duration * 0.034 / 2;

  Serial.print("Distance: ");
  Serial.print(distance);
  Serial.println(" cm");
}

CODE USED

From Vimeo¶

Sound Waves from George Gally (Radarboy) on Vimeo.

Fabrication files¶

File: xxx ↩
File: xxx ↩