The wearable computer is a kind of the wearable technology which is always worn comfortably while the user is moving, and can be changed by the user’s purpose of using and circumstances. The present importance of the wearable computer in fashion does ...
The wearable computer is a kind of the wearable technology which is always worn comfortably while the user is moving, and can be changed by the user’s purpose of using and circumstances. The present importance of the wearable computer in fashion does not simply lie in its status as "smart clothing with new functions,"but in the fact that we should deal with it in ubiquitous environments from a new academic perspective fused with "emotional engineering + computers + IT + smart materials + fashion." However, previous studies have concentrated on product design or leaned upon those methodologies that do not give rise to sufficient recognition of wearability and decoration. Thus, it is necessary to study the design process of custom-made wearable computers assigned functionality and decoration appropriate to the user’s characteristics and purposes. In this respect, we try to carry out a study for the development of various killer applications by developing a design process of wearable computers approaching in the perspective of fashion design.
The purposes of this study are as follows. First, we aim to construct and present in the perspective of fashion design a process that can capture a prototype wearable computer. Second, we try to develop a design that can integrate H/W with the costume to escape from the concept of simple attachment to the body by specifying H/W. Third, based on the constructed design process, we examine the adequacy of the process by applying various killer applications, and present practical instructions in the wearable computer design. Fourth, we aim to activate UFCs (Ubiquitous Fashionable Computers) that can seve as a node in ubiquitous environments, and to strengthen the competitive environment for the market of wearable computers specialized by utility in preparation for the breakdown of PCs.
For its properties, this study constructs the design process of wearable computers in the way to make convergence with processes in other fields taking as its bases planning, designing, and production, which belong to fashion design processes. Analyzing applicable process methodologies of digital contents, product design, interaction design, we ramify and incorporate them with fashion processes to attain a prototype with new concepts accessible in the eyes of fashion.
The contents of the stepwise access to the process with killer applications can be summarized as the following five points. First, we examine the necessity of a fashion design approach by distinguishing by I/O devices the meanings of "wearable"in accordance with the human behavior and the ways of carrying a computer. Second, we extract new elements of fashion design from the reduction of the distance between computers and clothing, and based on this, analyze the interrelationship between the properties, backgrounds, and contents of the wearable computer design. Third, based on the user-oriented methodology of scenario development for specialized performance, we define 8 ways of approach in terms of functions and design efficiency. Fourth, we try to combine different areas through an Emic View approach that works out technological viewpoints with emotion by extending design processes. Fifth, through "Bread Board" work we analyze usability and wearability in accordance with human body movements and computer attachment, and try to standardize the development of instrumental guidelines for this.
As such, the study of the design process of wearable computers approaching in the perspective of fashion design is more important than any other in understanding and predicting wearable technologies for "New Sensualist"customers who accept new lifestyles and technologies.