Amanda Ervin, Union College
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eTextiles, or wearable technology, are electronics sewn into soft, drapable materials. These materials often become the clothing we wear, but might also include blankets, toys, bedding, curtains, etc. Human-centered design positions itself at the forefront of this conversation, as we take a new look at the metal, glass and plastic devices we use to communicate with each other, and whether there are cases where remote communication would be more effective if done through soft materials.
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As I experiment with human centered design through eTextiles, many design questions come up. The artificial sensation of touch we experience through haptic feedback is one. How convincing is this technology? Is it enough to know that someone wants you to know they are thinking about you, or does the user need to be firmly convinced that this device could replace a loved one? Is that the Maker’s goal? Will users reject this technology no matter what?
For this workshop, I will take 30 minutes to present several soft objects that participants can squeeze as though it were a loved one’s hand. As we squeeze this soft device, it responds with a moving haptic pulse that feels similar to a touch. I will vary the intensity of the touch, and participants can experience the variations as both convincing and unconvincing feedback.
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Participants can then build their own squishy haptic feedback device using conductive and non-conductive fabrics, as well as electronics. Using conductive threads and fabrics, participants will learn how to stuff and sew switches that will be activated when pressure is applied. Using a sewable microcontroller, this switch will activate a series of small, flat vibrating motors, otherwise known as haptic feedback. Participants will learn how to vary the intensity of this vibration using computer code.