Wovenskin explores woven textiles as a new method for creating on-skin interfaces and new forms of human-computer interaction
Materials & Techniques – Weaving of traditional and electronic fibers
WovenSkin is a fabrication process that combines traditional yarns with conductive fibers, threads, and wires.
The materials are woven together using various traditional looms—handlooms, table looms and Jacquard looms.
The structural form of weaving offers some technical advantages over other processes like laser cutting and 3D printing being used for wearable technology.
Woven textiles are able to support multiple functions in a single device, can include novel materials, and bridge various elements across layers.
To attach the pieces of woven textile to the skin, the researchers identified skin-friendly Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the best method.
A thin film of PVA is applied to the completed woven device.
When the device is placed on the skin it is dampened with a sponge to dissolve the PVA and adhere the textile to the skin.
So far, there are four case studies that demonstrate the functional capacities of WovenSkin.
These successfully show capacitive touch input, pressure sensor input with haptic feedback, 3-dimensional connectivity between layers, and response to bending.
Thermochromatic yarn, optical fibers, shape memory alloy and LEDs are additional materials incorporated in the devices to facilitate various functionality.
WovenSkin is a fabrication process that combines traditional yarns with conductive fibers, threads, and wires
Style & Aesthetics – Borrowing from tradition
Aesthetically, WovenSkin borrows from the rich and varied cultural traditions of textile production.
Textile weaving is both functional and decorative. It is also more human and has a personal quality which contrasts with the more prevalent ‘technology aesthetic’ of wearable tech devices.
WovenSkin has generated four case studies which explore the aesthetic possibilities of the process.
Devices can be made that are aesthetically driven, colorful, and include rich textures and complex patterns.
The use of upcycled plastic bags as an alternative fiber source demonstrates another direction that expands aesthetic options for WovenSkin.
The woven nature of the devices also allows space to be created within the designs. Wearers can leave their skin showing under the device.
There is no need for devices to be a large opaque block of electronics.
Wovenskin successfully show capacitive touch input, pressure sensor input with haptic feedback, 3-dimensional connectivity between layers, and response to bending
A new hybrid form with intimacy and closeness
A number of WovenSkin prototypes were fabricated which showcase the creative aspects of the process.
One weaver created a patterned textile device to be placed over the heart. When touched by the wearer, it sends a message to a loved one.
Another is an on-skin safety blanket of fringed fabric, designed to soothe and reassure the wearer when touched.
A third prototype worn on the back is inspired by a childhood game.
These prototypes were observed to create greater intimacy between textiles and the body.
WovenSkin was viewed as a new hybrid form between textiles and body art.
One of Wovenskin’s devices is a patterned textile to be placed over the heart, when touched by the wearer, it sends a message to a loved one
Design memento – Research through design
Hybrid Body Lab uses a “research through design” approach. New solutions and new knowledge are generated specifically through the process of designing.
An exploratory workshop study was conducted to probe the WovenSkin process. Textile practitioners were given the opportunity to create a personalized device and provide feedback on their perception of WovenSkin.
The prototypes created through the workshop provided new insights into how weaving can be adapted for on-skin interfaces.
Following the successful inclusion of the textile artists, Dr. Kao is now collaborating with knitter and senior lecturer in fiber science and apparel design (FSAD), Melissa Conroy.
They have received funding to explore and develop responsive knitted braces for injury recovery.
WoveSkin– The importance of touch
The WovenSkin prototypes conceived by the textile weavers all highlight how important touch and haptic experiences are for humans.
The hands-on process of weaving and soft textile forms prompted functionality which focussed on and enhanced this human sensory quality.
Another one of Wovenskin’s devices is an on-skin safety blanket of fringed fabric, designed to soothe and reassure the wearer when touched
The prototypes also suggest a path for human-computer interactions that are more tactile, directly respond to bodily inputs, and provide a more intimate, human quality of feedback or output.
Nikaya is a designer and artist based in Berlin. With strong interests in materiality and the social dimensions of design, she is drawn to innovative projects which challenge existing processes and perceptions.
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The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
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The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements
The soft wearable forms of WovenSkin extend the functionality of traditional textiles by incorporating interactive elements