Thesismidterm101309

crystallizedKatherine Lee

10.13.09

concept

research concept

Biology is a source of myriad well-validated structures shapes. These forms can be

deconstructed or abstracted and given to people as building blocks to create novel wearables and

explore unprecedented applications.

design questions

• How can biological structures and forms be meaningfully deconstructed and applied to wearables?

• What novel and functional architectures can be created

• When thinking of these geometries as building blocks, which elements must be held constant and which may be stretched or changed?

• What applications might there be for such forms in other realms?

domains + precedents

n-e-r-v-o-u-s system

Domains: Biology, DIY wearables

treemaker origami

Domains: 2D->3D forms, DIY

mashallah designs

Domains: 2D->3D forms, biology, data viz, DIY wearables

structure synth

Angela Belcher’s nanotextiles

Domains:biology, data visualization

prototypes

users

target user profile

Category: Fashion/design enthusiasts, particularly DIY community

Age: 18-40Gender: primarily female

user groups: chictopia.com

user poll

testing

questions

• How do you feel about using molecular structures as the basis for wearable designs? (see examples)

• Do you have an interest in having the ability to customize the design of things you wear?

• Do you think there is generally demand for this capability? Why or why not?

results

• Cool/interesting forms• Like the idea of making things customized• Need better material• Need to define constants and variables– keep the algorithm constant and let the person

dictate which "molecular structure" to go with • Customizability but need some simple

template that has constraints to play with

feedback

next steps

• Test structures in different types of materials– Wool– Hemp– Cotton rope

• Explore different computerized interfaces for building 2D patterns for 3D objects

• Research virus-based fabrics

Goals for October

Thanks!