9. Wearables¶

Research¶

This week I explore the integration of audio technology into textile-based wearables, focusing on comfort, usability, and aesthetic appeal. Traditional headsets often cause discomfort during prolonged use, while winter headwear like tuques provide warmth but lack interactive functionality. The goal was to merge these two elements into a single wearable that delivers both comfort and sound. And also, this week I investigate the development of a wearable tuque with integrated soft speakers designed specifically for motorcyclists. Riders often face challenges with traditional headsets and earphones, which can be uncomfortable under helmets, restrict movement, or cause ear fatigue during long rides. Additionally, external noise and weather conditions make it difficult to maintain clear audio communication or enjoy music safely.

Actuators Sources
Wearable Future Sources
Research included studying conductive textiles, flexible wiring, and soft speaker components. Existing examples such as Bluetooth beanies and smart caps were analyzed to understand their limitations in washability, battery integration, and sound quality. The study also examined how e-textiles can enhance user experience through seamless integration of electronics into fabric. The research focused on creating a soft, flexible, and helmet-compatible audio solution that enhances comfort and safety. Studies on smart textiles, flexible circuits, and sound transmission through soft materials informed the design. Existing motorcycle communication systems were analyzed to identify gaps in comfort, washability, and integration with protective gear.
Wearable Helmet Sources

References & Inspiration¶

Actuators Sources
Wearable future Sources
Wearable Helmet Sources
Fabricademy Wearable Lecture Sources

Tools¶

- Conductive thread 
- Small magnet 
- Base fabric
- Sewing needle 
- Non-conductive thread
- Resistors
- MOSFET IRF3205
- Arduino IDE
- Arduino Uno
- Richpeace

Process and workflow¶

My sketches are ...

Collecting necessary devices

SWATCH 1: Simple blinking light (actuator swatch)¶

Goal: wearable LED patch that blinks.
Wiring (mapped to your diagram):
- Fabric + rail → LED anode → 220 Ω resistor → LED anode if you prefer resistor before LED. (Either + → resistor → LED → drain or + → LED → resistor → drain.)
- LED cathode → fabric trace leading to Drain (D) of MOSFET.
- MOSFET Source (S) → fabric GND rail.
- Gate → 100 Ω → Arduino digital pin 8 (or any pin).
- Gate → 10 kΩ → GND rail.
- Arduino GND → fabric GND rail.
Simple blinking light

WATCH 2: PWM fade light (actuator swatch with MOSFET brightness control)¶

Goal: wearable glowing swatch that fades on/off (nice aesthetic actuator).
Wiring: same MOSFET layout as above, but Arduino uses a PWM pin (Uno: 3, 5, 6, 7. Use D3 in example.
- rail → LED(s) + resistor → drain - source → GND rail - gate → 100Ω → D3 - gate → 10k → GND - Arduino GND → GND rail Actuator swatch with MOSFET brightness control