Lighted 3D Fabric Cushions (2012)

Karen Hong, Singapore

Description

This research project focuses on the therapeutic abilities of tactile textiles for the use of the elderly in Singapore. The main aim of the project is to use tactile textiles as a form of therapy for the elderly; especially those with deteriorating senses. Its focus is to stimulate the sense of touch. Also with the use of embedded technology and using textiles as a base material, a series of textile based cushions with tactile surfaces responding to the patient’s sense of touch and sight has been developed.

The use of embedded technology incorporated into these textiles allows patients to enhance their sensory experience. The main objective will be to incorporate and weave both tactile qualities with the SMART technology seamlessly. With the outcomes of the experimentations, a series of visually stimulating and interactive set of cushions are designed for the elderly. When the tactile surfaces of the cushions are being stroked, cushions with LED lights embedded will be lighted up. Cushions are also being embedded with a heat sensing material, which could provide warm to the user, to be used in an air-conditioned room or in cold countries. The elderly in the Eldercare centre in Singapore has tested these cushions.

Three of the lighted cushions are being exhibited in this exhibition. 

Medium

Polyester oreganza

Image credits

Karen Hong