In this section
Our research centres around the body and how technology can be used to improve how that body exists and interacts with the surrounding environment. We focus on haptic and aural modalities, using textiles as the physical medium for building wearable computational systems. Some of the research projects we undertake focus exclusively on textile sensing and interfaces whilst other focus solely on how auditory displays can be improved for users. A growing area of our work is looking towards how these two complementary technologies can be brought together in novel applications.
Below is a selection of projects grouped by theme of work:
Utilising novel textiles or electronic integrations to track and measure different forms of motion directly through fabric interventions.
Investigating next-generation haptic outputs embedded within textiles, with the unique ability to provide localised bodily sensations and tactile effects currently unavailable from other technologies.
Utilising novel textiles or electronic integrations to track and measure different forms of motion directly through fabric interventions.
Utilising novel textiles or electronic integrations to track and measure different forms of motion directly through fabric interventions.
The most developed strand of research in the group is tracking human motion through textile sensors. SensiKnit was developed by Dr Yi (Joy) Zhou during her PhD. SensiKnit is a graphene-based wearable monitoring system. The ergonomic sensors, crafted with digital knitting and laser-cutting, ensure close skin contact for accurate data collection and allow a full range of motion for user comfort. Integrated into wearables, SensiKnit can monitor body movements, such as knee bends and arm gestures, making it ideal for exercise interfaces and injury rehabilitation. Resistant to UV rays and washing, it offers consistent, real-time activity feedback under any condition.
This work has been published in Advanced intelligent Systems (Zhou, Y., Sun, Y., Li, Y., Shen, C., Lou, Z., Min, X. and Stewart, R. (2024), A Highly Durable and UV-Resistant Graphene-Based Knitted Textile Sensing Sleeve for Human Joint Angle Monitoring and Gesture Differentiation. Adv. Intell. Syst. 2400124. https://doi.org/10.1002/aisy.202400124).
The video was filmed and produced by Xiannuo Phoenix Zhao (Xcellent Productions Ltd).
@inproceedings{Zhang:2024:10.3390/engproc2023052022,
author = {Zhang, M and Stewart, R and Bryan-Kinns, N},
doi = {10.3390/engproc2023052022},
publisher = {MDPI},
title = {Empowering textile and fashion designers with e-textiles for creative expression},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/engproc2023052022},
year = {2024}
}
TY - CPAPER
AB - In the field of textile and fashion design, there is a growing desire to integrate interactive technologies into creative work. Traditional design education typically lacks support for material-oriented designers to develop electronic skills alongside their expertise in materials. There is a need to develop proper support for these designers to enter the world of electronic textiles (e-textiles). Our previous work introduced a material-centred e-textile learning approach through the development of a toolkit. This paper offers a glimpse into a design project made by our students, where digital functionality intertwines with physical design. It serves as a testament to the effectiveness of our approach in merging interactive technology concepts with material expertise, thereby aiding these designers in their creative endeavours.
AU - Zhang,M
AU - Stewart,R
AU - Bryan-Kinns,N
DO - 10.3390/engproc2023052022
PB - MDPI
PY - 2024///
SN - 2673-4591
TI - Empowering textile and fashion designers with e-textiles for creative expression
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/engproc2023052022
ER -