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.

The sensation of touch is integral to everyday life. Current haptics research focuses mainly on vibrations, tap, and point pressures, but the sensation of distributed pressures such as compression are often overlooked. We investigated the subjective comfort and emotional effects of applied on-body compression, specifically on the torso and upper arms, through a pilot user study incorporating a novel, low-profile, and actively-controllable compression garment. The active compression garment was embedded with contractile shape memory alloys (SMAs) to create dynamic compression on the body. Qualitative interview data collected (n=8) were used to generate a list of findings to inform the future creation of a computer-mediated compression garment that is wearable, comfortable, and safe for use.

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.