Investigating Communication and Product Documentation for Integration of Technology into Apparel in Three Manufacturing Contexts

Abstract

Wearable technology refers to any electronic technology that can be worn on the body, including clothing, jewelry, and watches. Among these three areas, clothing with integrated technology faces the most difficult manufacturing challenges. Wearable technology as an industry is changing and emerging. Wearable technology can be produced at a variety of manufacturing

volumes, each requiring different design documentation, understanding of intra- and inter- company communication, and focused design considerations. This thesis involved the

development of three garment case studies, each focused on a different production method. Key areas of strain in the manufacturing process were identified through each case study, and design documentation was developed for each case as a way to communicate the information required to produce the garment. The garments were designed and prototyped with the intent of being manufactured in different contexts. The first garment was designed to be made in-house. The second garment was designed to be produced by a third-party apparel manufacturer. The last garment was designed for manufacture by two factories: an apparel and an electronic manufacturer. A qualitative design research approach was taken by the researcher to understand the design and documentation needs of each system and to determine the benefits and constraints of each.