When textiles gain functional properties through technology, clothes unlock the potential of interacting with human senses. Sensorial Design in the context of recent research into Neuroscience, Human-Computer Interaction and Interactive Textiles creates opportunities for changing people’s self-perception through digitally controlled stimulation in the worn material itself. Appearance and fit of clothing are known to influence people’s self-perception, however, what if this could happen implicitly? What if instead of 50 items of clothing people would need only one that feels great for each occasion? One physical clothing item could mediate thousands of (personalised) digital stimulation patterns and through that help the wearer’s self-perception to adapt to any situation at hand. To understand the implications of such phygital sensorial clothing on people, both the personal (mind and body in movement) as well as sociocultural contexts need to be considered.
Multisensory Design for Somatic Well-being
Head of research: Dila Demir
Project period: 2023-2025
Funding: Estonian Academy of Arts
ETIS: link
Completed Projects:
Developing Self-awareness and Relationship Awareness through Movement-Inviting Multisensory Textile Objects
The project sought methods for designing reflective, movement-inviting multisensory textile objects. There is great potential for promoting mental health through reflective movement and relationship awareness, and the project explores this through experiential creative research. Starting from movement and perception, the design process explores opportunities to engage individuals with multisensory textile objects.
Head of research: Kristi Kuusk
Project period: 2022-2023
Funding: Ministry of Culture
ETIS: link
Publications:
https://sensorialdesign.artun.ee/publications/
Sensoory Design A6033UKKU
The project provided a great opportunity to address social, cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability through the integration of art and science in the more-than-human world of Abram.
The project examined sensory design in light of recent advancements in neuroscience, human-computer interaction, and smart textiles. Through practice-based research, bodily close sensory applications were developed that 1) alter individuals’ perception of themselves and their bodies, 2) encourage and enhance playful learning, 3) mediate sensory experience through movement, and 4) improve/enhance digital communication. More broadly, this project provided an opportunity to discuss individuals’ bodily perceptions or syndromes and guide wearers towards better health and choices.
For example, a dress that helps the wearer feel good without the need for praise from a mirror or bystander can replace multiple fast fashion products with a large environmental footprint. (Magic Lining) Scientifically, it has been shown that when a person feels better physically, their behavioral habits also tend to align in that direction.
Head of research: Kristi Kuusk
Members of the research and development group: Arife Dila Demir, Nesli Hazal Oktay, Hsuan-Hsiu Hung, Azeem Hamir
Project period: 2021-2023
Funding: Estonian Academy of Arts
ETIS: link