Introducing a Framework for Crafting E-Textiles: Exploring a Material Investigation into Technology

Abstract

This paper introduces a framework and recommendations for crafting e-textiles, advocating craft as an embodied, knowledge-generating practice employing innovative materials and processes. It offers a material investigation into technology to create e-textiles that embed digital capabilities to support more meaningful and connected forms of expression. The framework and recommendations interweave concerns around collaborative, sensorial and aesthetic interaction to conceptualise the relationship between experiences and materials that are lively and animated. The framework conceives lively experiences as a central component of crafted e-textiles that aspire to be meaningful and worthwhile. A material practice activates our sensory awareness and facilitates embodied actions leading to experiences that have much to reveal about people and their interactions through participation and engagement. Applications of the framework and recommendations can structure a material approach to e-textiles and support open exploration and emergent participant behaviour. The framework and recommendations are intended to support more enriching, personally conceived design contexts engaging technology to craft e-textiles that contribute social value and stimulate emotional response in people.