B2.1;
FabriClick: Interweaving Pushbuttons into Fabrics Using 3D Printing and Digital Embroidery
Machines are used to fabricate, often with pre-determined goals, this project investigates the potential of combining machine possibilities in an applied context. A research through design approach investigated 3D printing on fabrics, and surfaces a desire to make functioning soft tactile buttons. Digital embroidery promised to facilitate the functionality which meant the two machines (a 3D printer and embroidery machine) had to meet. A frame system was designed to allow samples to travel from machine to machine. This resulted in a highly integrated two-layer multi-machine fabrication method resulting in a soft button matrix.
This project was a project developed in my bachelors Industrial Design, and I was for the first time experiencing the serendipitous process of travelling. I wanted to explore new digital manufacturing techniques. Through this process I learned how to work with both machines, how to design and work with their limitations, and how to augment their capabilities. More importantly I had the opportunity to publish this work and worked on the framing of my work in an academic context. Not looking at just the technical capabilities of the buttons but more-so how this work can inspire and influence further design research.
This work had a heavy focus on T/R, MD/C, as well as C/A. We fabricated a frame system, explored the button shapes, fabricated final samples and programmed a showcase. We experimented with on-body explorations and were inspired by the tactile qualities. The B/E side was explored by pitching the concepts to an external company and developing the potential in use cases.
