Alternative Presents for Dynamic Fabric

In this paper we investigate how a combination of "speculative" design methods can be used to generate theoretical understandings for dynamic, colour-changing fabrics for garments. Specifically, we combine a first-person, autobiographical, research through design (RtD) approach that draws strategies from speculative design. We call this approach alternative presents, inspired by the work of James Auger, and explore it as a way to generate theoretical propositions for dynamic fabric that emphasize the lived experience over technological innovation. The contributions of this framing are twofold. Firstly, we offer a theoretical contribution to the literature on dynamic fabric. Secondly, we make a methodological contribution for how autobiographical design and RtD can be oriented speculatively to generate intermediate knowledge, with particular emphasis on social-technical aspects

Electronic Tablecloth

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Triangles: Design of A Physical/Digital Construction Kit

This paper presents the design of a new form of computer interface that uses physical objects to embody digital information, providing a means for interacting with data. Triangles is a physical interface in the form of a construction kit of identical, flat, plastic triangles. The triangles connect together both physically and digitally with magnetic, conducting connectors. When the pieces contact one another, specific connections can trigger specific digital events, allowing a simple but powerful tool for physically interacting with stored digital information. We will briefly describe the system itself, and design steps taken in its development. We highlight the importance of collaborative, iterative, and multi-disciplinarian design for a project of this nature. Keywords Interface design, physical interface, digital connector design, magnetic connector. INTRODUCTION: The Triangles System The Triangles project is an effort to create a `tangible interface'[1] -- a system of physical ..

Firefly Dress

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Sonoflex: Embroidered speakers without permanent magnets

© 2020 ACM. We present Sonoflex, a thin-form, embroidered dynamic speaker made without using a permanent magnet. Our design consists of two flat spiral coils, stacked on top of each other, and is based on an isolated, thin (0.15 mm) enameled copper wire. Our approach allows for thin, lightweight, and textile speakers and does not require high voltage as in electrostatic speakers. We show how the speaker can be designed and fabricated and evaluate its acoustic properties as a function of manufacturing parameters (size, turn counts, turn spacing, and substrate materials). The experiment results revealed that we can produce audible sound with a broad frequency range (1.5 kHz - 20 kHz) with the embroidered speaker with a diameter of 50 mm. We conclude the paper by presenting several applications such as audible notifications and near-ultrasound communication