Lucy Robertson

We use textiles for protecting our bodies, helping keep us keep warm or stay cool in different environments. Textiles are sensory objects that can engage our sight, touch, sense of smell, and even our hearing. Technology is easily integrated within textiles, with components becoming smaller and more sophisticated. Sabine Seymour suggests that audio could become central to the success of smart clothes. This research investigates adding to the natural qualities of textiles through the addition of sound, creating sonic textiles.

Sonic Textiles is a new term that has been introduced specifically for this PhD to describe the textile outcomes. Sonic Textiles can be defined as textiles that create sound either through their material or by integrating electronics within their design to produce sound when touched or interacted with.

This study focuses on how textiles, technology, design, and sound can come together to create sensory experiences for wellbeing with two main focuses:

1. Through workshops this research explores the making of e-textiles for wellbeing.
2. Working with those living with dementia this research looks at how the making and use of e-textiles and sonic textiles can enhance wellbeing, aid communication and nurture relationships between and within dementia friendly communities.

Names of Supervisors: Dr Chris Lim, Professor Wendy Moncur