MIT Media Lab's KnittedKeyboard II is a smart textile innovation that takes the form of an interactive, textile-based musical device. With the softness of fabric and the familiar layout of a piano keyboard, the musical knitwear piece boasts the ability to play music in a most unusual way. Completely textile-based, the device is highly transportable, pleasing to touch and highly customizable.
The project initially began as an exploration of what it would look like to create a wearable, foldable keyboard for the late American jazz musician Lyle Mays. Perfect for composing music on the go, the knitted keyboard is made from layers of conductive knits, a polyester base and a layer that's responsible for sensing pressure and stretch.
Irmandy Wicaksono, an engineer, designer and Ph.D. candidate in the MIT Media Lab says "Some comments I have received from musicians are that it feels that the fabric interface is alive, as it has a direct embodiment of the sound and the expressions. It makes the experience organic."
Smart Textile Keyboards
MIT Media Lab's KnittedKeyboard II is a Musical Piece of Knitwear
Trend Themes
1. Smart Textile Devices - Create textile-based, interactive devices that merge technology and user experience in unique and innovative ways.
2. Wearable Instrument Innovations - Design portable instruments that maintain the traditional music-making experience while incorporating modern technology.
3. Music-making Textile Innovations - Explore the possibilities of creating musical instruments and interfaces using smart textile technology.
Industry Implications
1. Textile Manufacturing - Integrate smart textiles into the manufacturing process for versatility and portability of the final product.
2. Music Technology - Combine traditional and modern music elements with interactive and portable designs.
3. Fashion Design - Innovate fashion design by incorporating music-making technology into wearable textiles and accessories.