Changing the Culture of Do Not Touch: Interactive Textiles as Vehicles for Historical Education

Abstract

A synthesis of computer technology and textiles extended the scope of a collection of historical artifacts into the environment surrounding the collection. Pillows used on replica furniture in the exhibit were used as interaction points. Each pillow consisted of one or more touch activated audible clips that were tied to electro luminescent wire or LED's. Each pillow used an open source set of components that could be adjusted and tailored to changes in the exhibit so that curators could change audio files and sequencing. Each pillow would be controlled by one Arduino, one audio trigger, and one set of electro luminescent wire sequencers. These components were packaged into a small box along with batteries and placed inside the pillows. Each kit was designed to allow for expansion and use inside any pillow.