Virtual Fabric…Imagine That!

jandofabrics, jandofabric, sensory perception

As a fabric specialist, advise columnist, researcher and writer for J&O Fabric Store, I spend a great deal of time searching the internet , reading books, reviewing articles, and exploring the world of textile goods to find out what’s old, what’s new, and what we can look forward to in the industry down the line. And while most of the information I come across is more mainsteam than not, every once and a while I stumble on a study that really excites me. One such study that caught my attention was conducted out of John Moores University in Liverpool. The aim of this project was to develop an intuitive visual and haptic communication system using the standards and expectations of the textile and related industries with particular regard to professional aesthetic, and psychological perspectives, and the working methods of the industry; then to create a resource tool (in this case, the Logitech Wingman mouse) in order to bring the benefits of such capabilities to the buyer or consumer. In laments terms, researchers brainstormed ways to make the look and feel of fabric more tangible when viewed over digital devices such as computers.