2019
Dr. Paulino Vacas Jacques
Wearable Technology
Design Thesis
Industrial Designer
Design Research
Technology Design
A Soft Thermal Circuit (STC) is an adaptable system for garments, which isolates the heat expelled by the user's body and heating devices, and then distributes it strategically.
Design a thermal insulation system with an integrated net of strategic and gradual heat distribution, which could be used to create different garments and other soft products such as furniture.
Initial research focused on better understanding of heated garments, as well as measuring and observing their effect when exposed to heat.
Software simulations were made and thermographic images of running heated garments were evaluated to identify potential weaknesses or needs of existing products, and determine how the STC could improve them.
Thermal sensation varies in the body.
Major heated garments distribute heat only to the most sensitive areas of the body.
Most heating devices in garments waste heat by distributing it to the outside.
Heated garments may limit the user's mobility.
Garments with electric heating devices use large batteries.
Conclusions were synthesized to identify issues, opportunities, and features that the STC could focus on and improve upon.
It was now necessary to find a conceptual starting point that would allow us to understand the functional and constructive logic of different thermal systems and define new design considerations.
During the process I developed sketches, prototypes, 3D models, software simulations and multiple tests to design a system that offered the expected effects.
I made multiple sketches and schematics to capture initial thoughts and generate new ideas.
The STC is a modular thermal configuration made up of soft materials, with specific physical properties to isolate, optimize and control the distribution of heat in specific areas of the human body. The project received an honorable mention in the National Design Award in 2019.
The research process required multiple rounds of ideation, prototyping and testing that I documented in an extensive document; my graduation thesis in industrial design.
To present the technology to the jury of my professional industrial design qualification and a design competition, I created graphic representations (renders) of the technology implemented in a jacket.
The project received an honorable mention in the National Design Award in 2019.
Distributes heat gradually and selectively
Thermal isolation
Adaptable and modular whole garment system
Reuse of body heat
Optimize energy
Conventional manufacturing processes
