•Wearable electronics example: Implementation of electricity in
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It took more than a century to introduce a technical innovation into the commercial fashion world- mentioning that the discovery of electricity is a major innovation. [innovation wave]
‘The less radical an innovation the more easily and quicker it becomes accepted and disseminated’5. The implementation of the first wearable electronic device is divided in lots of preceding marginal innovations as summarized in the accompanying pictures.
After the discovery of electricity, technical pioneers experimented and explored its possibilities.1922_FF166.jpg The government (space/army) invests in research and development.1945_NASA_FF15.jpg Conceptual and industrial designers experiment with the possibilities. And the next step, (many years later in this example) is that conceptual couture designers implement technology in their shows.1993_ErinaKashihara_FF97.jpg This creates public awareness and a starting point for technical mediation and social acceptance. With that, they clear the way for commercial clothing companies to place a product on the market.
Levi’s & Philips collaborated in the first wearable technology on the retail fashion market; five coats with electronic devises like phone and mp3 plug-ins. 2000_Levis&Philips_FF171.jpg
At last the first wearable electronic device was implemented. But even after lots of publicity the project more or less flopped. The sales figures were disappointing. Philips and Levi’s decided to stop the collaboration.
Apparently society wasn’t ready for electronics near their skin. Also the prices of the coat and devices were quite high and the electronics seemed to have quite a few technical problems. The designs aren’t very interesting either, for that matter.
In 2006 Levi’s & Philips tried a new collaboration by producing the I(Pod)jeans. 2006_Levis&Philips_bright.jpg The look is much better, but the added functionality is doubtable. The IPod is pluggable in the jeans, but you still have to wear it in your pocket. What’s the benefit? What’s the relevance? But starting a new collaboration is praiseworthy. They learn while working together.

Short Analysis
This is an overview of notes that emerged out of the wearable electronics research.
•Social acceptance needs to grow in little steps [technical mediation >>]
•Technicians don’t care much about esthetics, so looks aren’t important.
•It takes lots of time before fashion designers start experimenting with new technical possibilities. Industrial designers start years earlier. [education >>]
•Fashion designers have to experiment with innovations to create social acceptance for new products.
•High costs must be considered.
•Lack of social relevance must be considered.
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