Philips Design’s SKIN probe project comprises the development of a series of garments that demonstrate how electronics can be incorporated into fabrics and clothing in order to express the emotions and personality of the wearer. It forms part of the company’s ongoing SKIN exploration research into more ‘analog’ phenomena such as ‘emotional sensing’, and explores technologies that are ‘sensitive' rather than ‘intelligent’.
The intricate wearable prototypes submitted within the SKIN research project are:
- Bubelle – the ‘blushing dress’: a gown surrounded by a delicate bubble illuminated by patterns that change dependent on skin contact and that behaves differently depending on who is wearing it.
- Frisson: an interactive body suit that reacts to being blown on by igniting hundreds of tiny LEDs, each painstakingly soldered onto a copper wire attached to the fabric.
Philips Design’s SKIN probe project challenges the notion that our lives are automatically better because they are more digital. It is part of an ongoing far-future research program aimed at identifying emerging trends and likely societal shifts. ‘Probes’ explore whether there is potential for Philips in some of the more promising areas identified. Philips Design is currently examining pioneering areas of body adornment, such as electronic implants, swallowables and emotional tattoos that change depending on how you feel.
The red dot design awards rank amongst the most renowned design competitions in the world. The red dot ‘best of the best’ award is given only to top class concepts as decided by an international jury of design experts. This year, a record 879 design concepts were submitted from 47 nations, of which just 18 were chosen to receive the red dot: best of the best for their outstanding and innovative design.
The international red dot jury makes its selection for the esteemed best of the best award based on the degree of innovation, aesthetic quality, realization possibility, functionality and usefulness, ergonomics and human interface, and emotional content.
Philips Design will be presented with the award at an awards ceremony on November 30, 2007, in Singapore. The SKIN probe project will be exhibited in the red dot design museum, Singapore for one year
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