Tech-Style Design: A behind-the-scenes look into the future of wearable tech

A new blog article by Analog to Connected for RE-FREAM project.

We are nearing the end of the first Re-FREAM grant, an opportunity for artists and designers to work together with scientists and technologists within a consortium of partners. In my last blog post, I illustrated many different explorations that my partners and I had been exploring towards the goal of creating a sensor garment for stroke rehabilitation. Since then, we explored many interesting possibilities until we were able to confidently narrow our wide research into the best choices for materials, techniques, and design.

This project has been an amazing collaboration between many valuable partners. In addition to my tech partner at Fraunhofer IZM, Christian Dils, who collaborated in the research trials and production of the final sensor TexPCB products, I worked with Paula de Andrés of POL Studio to develop the pattern designs for the garment, and with the Knitwear Lab in The Netherlands to experiment with yarns and structures, and ultimately knit the final pieces. Together, our goal has been to create a technical solution that works, and to integrate it into an ergonomic and elegant garment design that complements the structure and movements of the body.

Moving from technique exploration to final prototype design, I began by gathering images of sportswear and knitwear that spoke to the two key elements of our design: body & muscle mapping, and comfortable ways to combine lightness with compression. We wanted to create a pattern design that would follow the lines of the muscles. This would allow us to create areas within the garment for placing the muscles sensors without interfering with seamlines.

This article was originally published on RE-FREAM blog on September 1, 2020