This journal follows the development of my PhD research into smart textiles for emotional well-being. Here I share insights from my reading, experiments with textile-integrated sensors, conference experiences, and the evolving design of my prototype garments. It’s a space to trace the project’s progress and connect design, technology, and mental health.
Behind the Seams: My PhD Research Journal
You can filter the article feed by selecting one of the three categories below, or scroll down to view every article in chronological order…
The PhD Journal
Follow the research as it happens.
Behind-the-scenes updates, prototype development, conferences, laboratory work and the realities of interdisciplinary research.
Smart Textiles Explained
Understanding the technology.
Beginner-friendly articles explaining wearable technology, conductive textiles and smart clothing.
Ideas & Reflections
Where fashion meets engineering.
Longer essays exploring design philosophy, sustainability and the future of wearable technology.
Pattern Cutting as System Design: How Fashion Shaped My Approach to Wearable Technology
Studying engineering has changed the way I think about pattern cutting. This reflection explores why garment design is as much about systems thinking as it is about fashion.
Designing My First Smart Hoodie: Where Fashion Meets Engineering
Why start with a hoodie? This article explores the thinking behind my first smart garment prototype and how fashion and engineering come together when designing wearable technology.
Going Back to the Beginning: Learning Engineering as a Fashion Designer
After years of feeling confident in fashion, starting electrical engineering reminded me what it feels like to be a complete beginner. This is an honest reflection on the discomfort, growth and unexpected lessons that came with learning a new discipline.
From Fashion Week to PhD: Why I Started Embedding Technology into Clothing
From presenting a living grass coat at New York Fashion Week to learning electrical engineering, this article explores how one question led me from fashion design to a PhD researching smart textiles for emotional wellbeing.