This document discusses exploring biological structures and forms for novel wearable designs. It proposes deconstructing biological shapes found in nature and using them as building blocks for wearable architectures. Some precedents mentioned include origami designs, biology-inspired data visualization works, and deployable structures. The target users are identified as fashion/design enthusiasts and DIY communities aged 18-40. Prototypes include a scarf and balaclava that will be tested at a make party. Future plans involve developing a screen-based interface and exploring other applications of these biological geometries.

1. crystallizedKatherine Lee11.14.09

2. concept

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

4. design questionsHow can biological structures and forms be meaningfully deconstructed and applied to wearables?What novel and functional architectures can be createdWhen 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 origamiDomains: 2D->3D forms, DIY

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

8. Diana Eng’s deployable structures

9. prototypes

15. users

16. target user profileCategory: Fashion/design enthusiasts, particularly DIY communityAge: 18-40

17. user groups: chictopia.com

18. testing

20. Chictopia Poll: Would you wear this if it were made in a more forgiving fabric?21% yes24% probably35% probably not21% noTotal votes: 34

21. next steps

22. the rest of this monthClay’s scarf (this week)Jen’s balaclava/muffler (this week)Kits for both of these (next week)HoodyKit for hoodyTest the kits at another make party

23. winterim/next semesterdevelop screen-based interfacestart my teen modeling career