MakerWear
Project Description
MakerWear is a new wearable construction kit for children that uses a tangible, modular approach to wearable creation.
MakerWear is comprised of two parts: (i) single-function electronic modules that, when combined, create complex interactive behaviors, and (ii) a flexible, magnetic socket mesh that is either pre-integrated into clothing or attached post-hoc like a fabric patch.
By manipulating these tangible modules, children can create a wide range of designs: a 'sound-reactive shirt' that changes color with music, a 'fitness tracker' that automatically counts and display steps, or a new game of 'laser tag' where children interact together through their designs.
MakerWear's module library is currently consisted of 32 single-function, 'plug-and-play' magnetic modules: (i) Sensor modules that sense body movement, physiological information, and environmental properties, (ii) Modules that allow social communication, (iii) Action modules that move, make lights and sounds, (iv) Modifiers that transform signals into another type of signal, and (v) Miscellaneous modules such as wires that allow extending across meshes and to spread out designs.
MakerWear's GitHub Repository
MakerWear is comprised of two parts: (i) single-function electronic modules that, when combined, create complex interactive behaviors, and (ii) a flexible, magnetic socket mesh that is either pre-integrated into clothing or attached post-hoc like a fabric patch.
By manipulating these tangible modules, children can create a wide range of designs: a 'sound-reactive shirt' that changes color with music, a 'fitness tracker' that automatically counts and display steps, or a new game of 'laser tag' where children interact together through their designs.
MakerWear's module library is currently consisted of 32 single-function, 'plug-and-play' magnetic modules: (i) Sensor modules that sense body movement, physiological information, and environmental properties, (ii) Modules that allow social communication, (iii) Action modules that move, make lights and sounds, (iv) Modifiers that transform signals into another type of signal, and (v) Miscellaneous modules such as wires that allow extending across meshes and to spread out designs.
MakerWear's GitHub Repository
Publications
Talks
Making with a Social Purpose
Apr 06, 2017 | Lecture Series at the Laboratory for Telecommunication Sciences
LTS Auditorium, College Park, MD
Transforming STEM Learning Through Wearables
Apr 04, 2017 | STEAM Salon Lecture Series
University of Maryland, College Park
MakerWear: A Tangible Approach to Interactive Wearable Creation for Children
Mar 07, 2017 | Design Field Notes
University of California, Berkeley
Tech+Design: Interaction Design for a Purpose
Nov 03, 2016 | Technica: Tech+X Talk Series
University of Maryland, College Park
MakerWear: Early Explorations of Wearable Construction Kits for Children
Sep 25, 2016 | Maker Faire Silver Spring 2016
Silver Spring, Maryland
MakerShoe: Towards an E-Textile Construction Kit to Support Creativity, Playful Making, and Self-Expression
May 28, 2015 | HCIL Symposium 2015
College Park, Maryland