E-Textile Joining Technologies

The wearability of e-textile applications across health and medical fields is continually improved through advances in conductive yarns and textiles, and in flexible and miniaturised electronic componentry. However, there has been limited development in the materials and parts that connect the flexible electronic fibres within a textile to necessary hardware such as PCB’s and batteries. Durable, flexible and easy-to-use joining technologies or connectors would allow for the re-design of circuits to improve comfort, as well as improve appeal and wearability. In bringing together an interdisciplinary team this project adopts a knowledge sharing approach to address the design problem from a new perspective. 

The project’s inquiry into the design criteria of connectors prompted a broader review of e-textile wearability. The predominant e-textile positioning in engineering was challenged through consideration for existing knowledge fields within design and established garment manufacturing systems. The review encompassed biomechanical, historical, and fictional contexts, including physical lines of non-extension in high-performance sportswear, historical dress/armour components, and gestural control performances in sci-fi media.  

Methods for exchange of discipline specific knowledge were also explored. The team identified the need to accessibly align concept communication modes across each discipline’s differing priorities highlighting the need for integrative strategies to navigate e-textile research. A terminology review led to consolidation of varied meanings towards mutually understood definitions, and an integrated drawing format was developed to support shared understanding through visual language. 

This research demonstrates how developing a shared understanding of verbal/written language and visual representation can assist in unifying vocabularies between disciplines, allowing for effective collaboration towards innovative, cohesive outcomes. The team intends to develop these findings into terminology review and visual communication templates for future use. 

 A literature review of wearability and comfort in e-textiles highlighted limited understanding of these variables. To inform connector development a broader understanding was adopted, drawing from fashion and technical garment knowledge and standards. The next phase of the project is focused on iterative prototyping of connector concepts. 

Findings to date have been presented at the 27th Annual IFFTI Conference (2025) at the London College of Fashion.