An Investigation of Craft Practice in the Design of Electronic Textiles (E-Textiles) for Embodied Interaction

Hernandez, Lucie (2022) An Investigation of Craft Practice in the Design of Electronic Textiles (E-Textiles) for Embodied Interaction. Doctoral thesis, Falmouth University / University of the Arts London.

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Abstract / Summary

An Investigation of Craft Practice in the Design of Electronic Textiles (E-Textiles) for
Embodied Interaction
This research aims to establish craft practice as an approach to investigating materials and
processes that could benefit e-textile design and development. It explores how ‘value’ can arise
through innovative material combinations facilitated through collaborative partnerships, dialogue
and joint construction. Findings from the portfolio of practical projects suggest that the distinct
material qualities that comprise e-textiles have different roles in contributing to multisensory
experiences.
The convergence of computation, electronics, craft and design is identified as a field of creative
practice in the contextual review. The tangible nature of e-textiles facilitates embodied forms of
interaction to prompt actions through materials and activate our sensory awareness. Building on
the work of Dourish, the research examines embodiment, meaning creation and sense
perception for comprehending the nature of experience. It discusses commentators such as
McCarthy and Wright to recommend expressions of felt human life as a vehicle for enhanced
relations with technology.
The methodology generates knowledge through individual and collaborative creative action and
adopts craft methods and processes to frame the practice portfolio. Pragmatism influences craft
methods to recognise ‘thinking-through-making’ as a means of discovery that can support the
ongoing negotiation between intention, action and reflection. The practice portfolio is used as a
method of collecting in-depth practical evidence to generate knowledge undertaken through
creative engagement.
The research contributes a framework with a series of recommendations to advocate a materially
led approach to practice interwoven with concerns that engage collaborative, sensorial and
aesthetic interaction. Analysis of the findings promotes qualitative outcomes including
personalisation, multisensory engagement, and social value, indicating that applications of the
framework can support more enriching design contexts that engage technology.

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