Rationale
In our vision of ubiquitous computing, digital systems will extend to clothing (and other everyday objects) via smart textiles and materials, meaning that fashion will become a mediator of technology. To date much 'wearable' technology has been developed by the electronics and technology sectors and has utilised clothing as a carrier of entertainment and communications systems, adding increased functionality. Less research has focused on the exploitation of technology for aesthetic communicative and expressive purpose. To address the emotional application of technology on the body a union of the two industries is required. The integration of smart functionality into clothing and other textile products will fundamentally change cultures of clothing, peoples' relationships with them, and the way clothing is designed. The development process will require information and communication technology (ICT) design cultures to be synthesised with established cultures of clothing and clothing design, and this will require a multi-disciplinary approach, transcending the current boundaries, languages and processes of the industries involved. This cluster will bring together the disparate and largely unassimilated disciplines of fashion and technology and ask and assess whether such a merger can bring added value to the consumer and the industries involved and what this will mean to the process of research, creation and production of an Emotional Wardrobe.
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