Digital Materiality
(Funded by RISD Industrial Design’s Marc Harrison Fund)
This research project explores the integration of programmable textiles and auxetic meta-materials to develop responsive wearable technologies for extreme environments. The work combines computational design, advanced fabrication techniques, sensor integration, and systematic testing to address limitations in current protective gear. The innovation lies in creating materials that intelligently respond to environmental and physiological stimuli through multi-material 3D printing and embedded Arduino-based systems. Expected outcomes include functional prototypes, performance data, and novel fabrication techniques with significant applications in space exploration, deep-sea operations, high-altitude environments, and therapeutic wearables. The research establishes a foundation for next-generation protective gear with enhanced functionality in challenging conditions.