Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology

Since establishing a unique Masters programme in Performance Sportswear Design (University of Derby, 1995-2003) and then leading research in Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology (University of Wales, Newport, 2004-2012), Jane's practice has continued to be focused on co-design methodology, bringing together representatives from academia and industry, along with end-users, where a new 'shared language' is required to break down barriers between disparate disciplines. She was the recipient of the 'Sir Misha Black Award for Innovation in Design Education' (2003), presented at the Royal College of Art, and awarded her Professorship from the University of Wales, Newport (2012). Her cross-disciplinary approach led to Erasmus exchanges, Leonardo projects, publication and continuing academic engagement in China. Both during her time in academia, and since working as an independent design and research consultant, back in Northern Ireland (from 2014 onwards), the need for more responsible, sustainable, and user-friendly product development has escalated in relation to her on-going areas of interest in the design of functional clothing as well as in Natural Fibre Composites design applications.

David Bryson is a Senior Lecturer in the Human Sciences Research Centre at the University of Derby, UK. His research interests include the use of scientific photography and multimedia to support learning teaching and assessment in applied science, anatomy and osteology.