Development of interactive textile devices and their application

Abstract

Soft interactive textiles, such as electronic yarn, have a wide range of applications and feature in a wide variety of products. Therefore, the researcher explored electronic yarn development and interactive play mat development through two projects. The first project focused on developing electronic yarn and fabrication processes based on a project target. The researcher compared the developed electronic yarn with commercial electronic yarn, and she found that the developed electronic yarn was superior in terms of size, softness, and waterproofing. A collection of shoe uppers was also designed and developed using our electronic yarn for the fashion industry. In the second project, the researcher developed an interactive play mat, focusing on physical development in toddlers aged under 3 years. The researcher evaluated the developed interactive mats through observation experiments in kindergarten collaborative projects to connect children's movements with their exploration, play, communication, and thinking. The results demonstrate the value and practicality of the developed interactive mats. Moreover, an innovative design framework and trial experimental methods with user feedback considered the user’s experience to achieve better development in the toddlers. The study's theoretical and practical results have reference significance for the textile design industry and design education.