This document discusses exploring biological structures and shapes as building blocks for novel wearable designs. It outlines a concept to deconstruct and abstract biological forms for wearables. It discusses precedents like origami and biology-inspired designs. Prototypes were created and tested with users, who provided feedback on customizability but needing defined constants. The document outlines goals to design a line of 6 wearables using the patterns and create making toolkits, as well as interfaces for building 2D patterns into 3D objects.

1. crystallized Katherine Lee 11.14.09

2. concept

3. research concept Biology is a source of myriad well-validated structures & shapes These forms can be deconstructed or abstracted and used as building blocks to create novel wearables and explore unprecedented applications.

4. design questions How can biological structures and forms be meaningfully deconstructed and applied to wearables? What novel and functional architectures can be created When thinking of these geometries as building blocks, which elements must be held constant and which may be stretched or changed? What applications might there be for such forms in other realms?

5. domains + precedents

6. treemaker origami Domains: 2D->3D forms, DIY

7. mashallah designs Domains: 2D->3D forms, biology, data viz, DIY wearables

8. prototypes

17. users

18. target user profile Category: Fashion/design enthusiasts, particularly DIY community Age: 18-40 Gender: primarily female

19. user groups: chictopia.com

20. user poll

21. testing

22. round 1 prototype: questions How do you feel about using molecular structures as the basis for wearable designs? (see examples) Do you have an interest in having the ability to customize the design of things you wear? Do you think there is generally demand for this capability? Why or why not?

24. feedback Cool/interesting forms Like the idea of making things customized Need better material Need to define constants and variables keep the algorithm constant and let the person dictate which "molecular structure" to go with Customizability but need some simple template that has constraints to play with

25. round 2 – make party: questions How difficult is it for people to construct these forms from a template? Without? Do people like making things? How difficult is it to make something wearable from these forms?

29. results It takes ages to make things, even using controlled templates Explicit instruction required for assembly using multiple parts Must make it apparent that the end-goal is to create wearables

30. next steps

31. goals through end of semester Design a line of 6 wearable objects using these patterns Create tool-kits for making these objects Explore different computerized interfaces for building 2D patterns for 3D objects

32. Thanks!