Social Fabric: An Empathy Wear for Pregnancy (2021)

社會織品:妊娠同感服飾 Social Fabric: An Empathy Wear for Pregnancy(2021)

過去曾有一種稱為「同感腰帶」(empathy-belly)的發明,用來讓他人能體會孕婦懷孕時的身體的負荷。本設計奠基於此概念之上,運用互動設計的原則並結合穿戴式科技,延伸關於科技、身體和同理心的關聯性,以年輕女孩為設計對象,意圖產生她們對於孕婦辛勞之同理心、生命孕育的想像。本科技服飾具備功能性,以Arduino LilyPad微晶片結合感測器、震動馬達與多顆LED燈,開發成為可提供觸覺回饋之服飾,例如:當彎腰角度過大時,以馬達震動與紅燈快速閃爍暗示痛覺的發生。本科技服飾也包含在外觀美感上的追求,以「年輕女性」作為主要設計族群,在造型上以比較輕盈的設計執行,以近似白紗、舞衣的輕盈剪裁,意圖呈現出兼具時尚感與身體感知功能的科技服飾。

本作開發過程中整合了Arduino LilyPad程式編寫,包含彎曲感測器、震動式觸覺回饋機制、LED控制及燈光設計、穿戴式電子裝置設計、軟性3D列印材料設計、服飾造形設計、模特兒穿戴與數位攝影。於展場呈現時包含:服飾本身、數位攝影輸出、介紹影片。

於牆面上之數位攝影部分,觀眾可見模特兒穿戴本服飾後以不同的身體姿態詮釋本科技服飾,包含:舞蹈、坐姿、立姿、沉思…等,意圖呈現出穿戴者不同的心理情境。

In the past, there was an invention called the “empathy belly,” designed to allow others to experience the physical burden of pregnancy. This design builds upon that concept, incorporating principles of interactive design and wearable technology. It explores the relationship between technology, the body, and empathy, with a focus on young girls. The intention is to generate empathy for the hardships of pregnancy and foster an understanding of the experience of carrying a child.

This technological garment serves a functional purpose. It utilizes an Arduino LilyPad microchip combined with sensors, vibration motors, and multiple LED lights to create a garment that provides tactile feedback. For example, when the wearer bends over excessively, the motors vibrate, and red lights flash rapidly to simulate the sensation of pain.

The design of this technological garment also places an emphasis on aesthetics, specifically targeting “young women” as the primary design demographic. The styling incorporates lightweight elements, resembling the elegance of white veils and dance costumes. The goal is to create a fashionable yet functional wearable technology piece.

The development process involves Arduino LilyPad programming, including the integration of bend sensors, vibration-based tactile feedback mechanisms, LED control, and lighting design. It also encompasses wearable electronic device design, soft 3D printing material design, clothing form design, model fitting, and digital photography. When presented in an exhibition, it includes the garment itself, digital photography outputs, and an introductory video.

The digital photography section on the wall allows viewers to see models wearing the garment in various body postures, including dancing, sitting, standing, and contemplating, aiming to depict different psychological scenarios experienced by the wearers.

尺寸:空間約 50cm(寬) x 650cm(深) x 320cm(高)
媒材:軟性3D列印、織布、針線、電子晶片、LED、彎曲感測器、震動馬達、數位攝影、Arduino程式設計、播放器、耳機
年代:2021


Dimensions: Approximately 50cm (width) x 650cm (depth) x 320cm (height)
Materials: Soft 3D printing, fabric, thread, electronic chips, LED lights, bend sensors, vibration motors, digital photography, Arduino programming, player, headphones
Year: 2021