Design and Product Development

From Soft Robotics to Designing Inflatable Wearable Products: A Hands-on Teaching Module for Online Studio Classes

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Abstract

Designing Inflatable Wearable Products”, challenged students to individually develop a wearable product prototype that benefited from air for its function. The activity introduced simple methods from “soft robotics” explorations in maker communities where heat weldable Vinyl, parchment paper and a heat source (iron) were used to build prototypes without needing to use any specialized studio equipment. Some examples of student projects included an inflatable mastectomy bra, exercise clothing with dynamic ventilation, inflatable volleyball knee pad, back support for farm workers, thermal travel hoodies, compression harness for dogs, belly support belt for pregnant women and many others.

Keywords: Online learning, Product development, Functional clothing, Soft robotics, Inflatable

How to Cite:

Goncu-Berk, G., (2022) “From Soft Robotics to Designing Inflatable Wearable Products: A Hands-on Teaching Module for Online Studio Classes”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 79(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.15961