Social Textiles is a social network you can physically wear. The interactive apparel is the result of a collaboration between Fluid Interface Group and MIT's Tangible Media Group. The project began when a small group of MIT students (Judith Amores, Katsuya Fujii, Viirj Kan and Chang Long Zhu Jin) wanted to address the problem of making social media more tangible.
Social Textiles currently exists as a t-shirt printed with thermochromatic ink and a thin circuit membrane underneath. The garment syncs to your smartphone using Bluetooth technology, enabling it to notify you with a buzzing collar when someone in the vicinity (12 feet) shares your interests. Symbols on the shirt also light up and indicate when you and your new friend make physical contact.
Interactive Social Apparel
MIT Invented Social Textiles to Make Social Media More Tangible
Trend Themes
1. Social Textiles - Developing wearable technology that integrates social media and physical interactions.
2. Tangibility in Social Media - Creating physical manifestations of social media interactions for a more immersive experience.
3. Interactive Apparel - Designing garments with embedded technology that facilitate social connections and information exchange.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Exploring innovative ways to integrate technology into clothing to enhance social experiences.
2. Wearable Technology - Developing wearable devices that bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds.
3. Social Media - Leveraging physical interactions and tangible elements to transform the social media landscape.