Final Project+Sample Book

Intention

My project proposal is to create a 'hug me' T-shirt that can increase the physical interaction between people. I was first inspired by a type of temperature-sensitive thread invented by a group of Melbourne researchers. The thread can change color as the temperature changes,so when people touch the thread, the color will change. A T-shirt made out such thread is interesting to wear and encourage other people to physically interact with the person who wear the T-shirt. Hug is a really powerful thing that can give people strength. The T-shirt might be a good tool to help people with autism or social phobia and encourage them to interact with the world and appreciate other's company.

Research

I did some research on the basic t-shirt pattern piece and watched a video about how to make t-shirt using the pattern piece, and then on amazon I found that that there is a type of non-toxic fabric paint that can change color as temperature changes, which could be a good substitute for thermal sensitive thread. the paint could be applied on any type of fabric,textile, leather and shoes, and it is reversible heat reactive sensitive fabric paint hot water and bleach resistant. 

Reflection

Initially I thought the temperature sensitive fabrics are common in the market, but after research I realized that such fabrics is actually rare and expensive. Another issue is that the environmental temperature should also be taken into consideration because it can greatly vary the effect of hugging. However, the problem could only be investigated after I purchase the paint and do some experiment with it.

Sample Book