CIRCUitS

Abstract

<p>The purpose of this design research was to explore the integration of wearable light-emitting diode (LED) elements with traditional garment/accessory embellishment and construction techniques. Tacit knowledge of circus costuming involving wearable LED tech informed the basis of the research, and couture beading techniques were employed alongside LED application. The ensemble of a metallic brocade coatdress with contrast lining and complementing top hat utilized LED circuitry to illuminate a beaded appliqué on the back of the coatdress. LEDs along the underside of the hat's brim cast light onto the beading, complementing LEDs residing underneath the beaded appliqué. Adaptations to existing computer code were employed to adjust the LED programming via an Adafruit FLORA microprocessor, and design challenges resulted due to the designer's lack of prior knowledge of computer programming. Safety measures against electrocution and conductivity were employed in the form of insulating layers and careful stitching of conductive threads.</p>