This paper presents Felted Terrain, an interactive textile with embedded soft electronics, that creates a sensorial experience with tactility, sound, and esthetics. The project takes the traditional craft of knitting and applies computation at different points of processes, from pattern generation with parametric scripting to integration of conductive and flexible electronics for creating user interactivity. With digital design and fabrication tools, the sensor-embedded textile is produced to be experienced at the spatial level of the interior. The paper discusses the design processes of the project and the potentials of embedding unexpected interactivity to the everyday object of the knitted fabric to provide opportunities for multi-sensorial experiences.
Part of the book: Proceedings of the Conference on Design and Semantics of Form and Movement
This paper presents ReActive, a design exploration aimed at embedding interactivity in traditional materials by artisanal processes. In the attempt to reconciling technology with human experience and tradition, we experimented with artisans to understand how craftsmanship can embrace technological innovations while at the same time maintaining its nature and value. We built samples of hybrid materials, where electronics and smart materials are embedded in traditional ones, in order to make them reactive and interactive. We discuss implications and new possibilities offered by these new hybrid materials both for artisans and users and new perspectives for interaction design.
Part of the book: Proceedings of the Conference on Design and Semantics of Form and Movement