Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology

Since establishing a unique Masters programme in Performance Sportswear Design (University of Derby, 1995-2003) and then leading research in Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology (University of Wales, Newport, 2004-2012), Jane’s practice has continued to be focused on co-design methodology, bringing together representatives from academia and industry, along with end-users, where a new ‘shared language’ is required to break down barriers between disparate disciplines. She was the recipient of the ‘Sir Misha Black Award for Innovation in Design Education’ (2003), presented at the Royal College of Art, and awarded her Professorship from the University of Wales, Newport (2012). Her cross-disciplinary approach led to Erasmus exchanges, Leonardo projects, publication and continuing academic engagement in China. Both during her time in academia, and since working as an independent design and research consultant, back in Northern Ireland (from 2014 onwards), the need for more responsible, sustainable, and user-friendly product development has escalated in relation to her on-going areas of interest in the design of functional clothing as well as in Natural Fibre Composites design applications. David Bryson is a Senior Lecturer in the Human Sciences Research Centre at the University of Derby, UK. His research interests include the use of scientific photography and multimedia to support learning teaching and assessment in applied science, anatomy and osteology.

Part 1 The design of smart clothing and wearable technology: The emergence of wearable computing; Types of smart clothes and wearable technology; End-user based design of innovative smart clothing; The garment design process for smart clothing: From fibre selection through to product launch; Designing smart clothing for the body. Part 2 Materials and technologies for smart clothing: The influence of knitwear on smart wearables; Woven structures and their impact on the function and performance of smart clothing; Nonwovens in smart clothes and wearable technologies; Sensors and computing systems in smart clothing; The application of communication technologies in smart clothing; Power supply sources for smart textiles. Part 3 Production technologies for smart clothing: Garment construction: cutting and placing of materials; Developments in fabric joining for smart clothing; Digital embroidery techniques for smart clothing; Developments in digital print technology for smart textiles; Environmental and waste issues concerning the production of smart clothes and wearable technology. Part 4 Smart clothing products: Smart clothing and wearable technology for the health and well-being market; Smart clothing for the ageing population; Smart clothing and disability: Wearable technology for people with arthritis; Wearable technology for the performing arts; Branding and presentation of smart clothing products to consumers.