Stir-It-On (SIO): Interactive Fashion Technology

Stir-it-on is an ongoing interactive fashion exploration by designer and teacher Younghui Kim. The project was inspired by Younghui's experience of swimming at the bioluminescent bay at night.

"Imagine waves of dark ocean water under starry sky and millions of tiny organisms illuminate when they are stirred up. This is also my comments on social experience in Seoul public space" states Younghui.

The interactive wearable, constructed by hand-sewin beads, 65 LEDs, an arduino and a Q-prox capacitance sensor, illuminates the skirt where it is touched.

Why is this important?
The act of creating interactive fashion and wearables is a continuous and ongoing process. Each iteration of a project continuously evolves as new techniques and technologies are explored.

I appreciate Younghui's approach and fortitude to continually re-work a prototype, getting closer with each iteration to a more complete and refined project.

"For me, creating fashion technology art is about the process, not necessarily about the final product. I find it important how I experience in creating it as much as how the wearer experiences by wearing it. It’s all about process and I should enjoy the experience fullest whether it’s hard work or play," Younghui states.

Process photos below.

LEDs and beads sewn with conductive thread

Conductive fabric patches for sensing

Prototyping Electronics