Compression is a haptic stimulus used in medical interventions (e.g., compression stockings) and has the potential to be integrated into new research areas (e.g., immersive VR experiences, distributed notification mechanisms), yet remains largely understudied. This work investigates the user experience of compression garment technologies that are dynamic, remotely controllable, and low mass, to better address this research gap. Shape memory alloy-based compression garments, capable of creating spatially- and temporally- dynamic on-body compression, were designed and deployed in a user study (n=17, 8M/9F) to understand the effects of compression, and to draw insights for future compression-based applications. The major takeaways are: (1) importance of and sizing/fit, (2) individual/gender preferences and need for customizability, and (3) the relationship between context-specific stimulation and perception.

This work encompasses the design and development of garment-based shape memory alloy (SMA) compression technology that is dynamic, low-mass, and remotely controllable. Three garment design iterations are presented, consolidated from past user studies [1], [2], [3]. The designed garment system has potential to serve as a research tool for understanding parameters necessary to create a desired compression haptic experience; for broadening the scope of medical/clinical interventions; as well as for enabling new modes of interaction between users separated by distance, especially in areas such as tele-rehabilitation and social mediated touch.

This work translates an inspiration derived from the Disney classic `Sleeping Beauty' to realize a smart child's costume with color-changing capabilities. The dress uses addressable multi-color NeoPixel LEDs to change its surface color based on input from two wand controllers, consistent with the animated sequence in which Princess Aurora's fairy godmothers argue over the best color for her gown. The garment's construction emphasizes diffusion of emitted light to achieve a more uniform color distribution, and explores benefits and drawbacks of two manufacturing methods for embedding LED pixels: a manual method based on hand-soldered wire connections consistent with typical electronic craft, and a more scalable surface-mount manufacturing method based on stitched traces and reflow soldering.

E-textiles that enable distribution of electronic components have advantages for wearable technology, in that functionality, power, and networking can be spread over a much larger area while preserving hand-feel and wearability. However, textile-embedded circuitry often must be machine-washable to conform to user expectations for care and maintenance, particularly for garments. In this study, we evaluate the robustness to home laundering of a previously-developed cut-and-sew technique for assembling e-textile circuits. Alternative surface insulation materials, textile substrate properties, and soldered component joints are evaluated. After around 1000 minutes (16.67 hours) of rigorous washing and drying, we measured a best-case 0% failure rate for component solder joints, and a best-case 0.38 ohm/m maximum increase in trace resistance. Liquid silicone seam sealer was effective in protecting 100% of solder joints. Two tape-type alternative surface insulation materials were effective in protecting bare traces and component attachment points respectively. Overall, results demonstrate the feasibility of producing insulated, washable cut-and-sew circuits for smart garment manufacturing.

In this paper, we propose a novel method for knitting advanced smart garments (e.g., garments with targeted electrical or mechanical properties) using a single, spatially-varying, multi-material monofilament created using additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. By strategically varying the constitutive functional materials that comprise the monofilament along its length, it is theoretically possible to create targeted functional regions within the knitted structure. If spaced properly, functional regions naturally emerge in the knit as loops in adjacent rows align. To test the feasibility of this method, we evaluated the ability of a commercially available knitting machine (a Passap® E6000) to knit a variety of experimental and commercially available, spatially-variant monofilament. Candidate materials were tested both to characterize their mechanical behavior as well as to determine their ability to be successfully knitted. A repeatable spatial mapping relationship between 1D filament location and 2D knit location was established, enabling the ability to create a variety of 2D functional pathways (straight, linear, nonlinear) in the knit structure using a single monofilament input. Using this approach, a multi-material monofilament can be designed and manufactured to create advanced functional knits with spatially-variant properties.