Page 54 - IJAMD-2-3

International Journal of AI for
Materials and Design Intelligent interactive textile in healthcare

camera captures a live image (photo) without storing it in facilitates a richer understanding of user requirements and
memory. This image is passed to a deep learning model for fosters a sense of ownership among end-users, ultimately
image classification, which detects 21 hand landmarks or leading to higher adoption rates and user satisfaction.
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33 body landmarks, depending on the type of input (e.g., While co-design and design thinking often share
hand gesture or full-body posture). The output of the deep overlapping tools and values – such as empathy, iteration,
learning model is a photo annotated with landmark points and participation – design thinking typically provides the
in (x, y) coordinate format. These landmarks are then structured methodology, whereas co-design emphasizes
processed by a self-developed algorithm, which interprets deeper user involvement as co-creators throughout the
the spatial relationships between the landmarks to classify process. Distinguishing between them helps to clarify
the user’s physical position or gesture. Different gestures the specific roles of facilitated creativity and participatory
and body positions triggered distinct color responses on engagement in the project context.
the surface of the illuminative fabric. These colors were Experience-based co-design (EBCD) specifically
activated through light-emitting diodes (LEDs) connected
to the textile’s edges, which were optically linked through applies co-design principles within healthcare service
the integrated POFs (Figure 1C). A camera was embedded improvement contexts, systematically capturing and
utilizing the lived experiences of service users and
within the textile system, and a single-board computer providers to enhance service quality. For example, studies
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and a custom-designed printed circuit board (PCB) were have shown EBCD’s effectiveness in improving elderly
connected to support real-time interaction. Figure 1D
shows the installed prototype, consisting of three care services by deeply engaging elderly individuals and
illuminative fabric wall panels in WTSDHC, designed caregivers in the design process, thereby ensuring solutions
to enhance engagement and promote well-being among resonate with users’ personal experiences and emotional
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elderly users. needs. Actively involving older adults through co-design
processes, such as EBCD has demonstrated notable
2. Literature review benefits, including improved service outcomes, increased
user empowerment, and enhanced social connectedness.
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This research focused on achieving a user-centered Human-centered design further emphasizes placing
design for intelligent interactive illuminative textiles to human needs, capabilities, and behaviors at the forefront,
enhance spatial experiences through gesture recognition. making systems usable, accessible, and effective through
The study was reviewed from three key aspects: (i) the ergonomic and usability principles. 40
co-design process, (ii) the design and development of
interactive illuminative textiles, and (iii) the application of In designing for elderly users, methodologies, such
AI technology in gesture recognition. Finally, the research as co-design, EBCD, and human-centered design are
identified existing gaps in the literature. especially valuable, particularly when addressing cognitive
or emotional connections to personal history and
2.1. Co-design memory. Research indicates that reminiscence therapy,
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Design thinking is commonly applied within co-design commonly employed in dementia care and elderly mental
processes, facilitating collaboration through structured, health interventions, effectively utilizes personal memories
iterative methods. Popularized by IDEO and Stanford and past experiences to improve psychological well-being
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University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (also known and social engagement among elderly individuals.
as the Stanford d.school), design thinking integrates human Integrating reminiscence therapy principles within
needs, technological possibilities, and business viability co-design methodologies has shown potential in creating
through empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and solutions that significantly enhance elderly users’ emotional
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testing phases. Specifically, when applied to designing health, autonomy, and dignity by actively involving them
solutions for older adults, design thinking bridges in crafting personalized and meaningful interventions. 43
potential gaps between designers’ assumptions and the 2.2. Interactive illuminative textiles
actual needs and preferences of elderly users. Co-design,
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representing the collective creativity of designers and Interactive textiles, also known as e-textiles, are textiles
non-designers collaborating in the development process, designed to dynamically respond to external stimuli
has become essential in creating user-centered solutions. or user interactions through integrated electronic
This approach harnesses diverse expertise, benefiting components and embedded technologies. 44-48 Illuminative
from interdisciplinary contributions, which can lead to interactive textiles specifically utilize lighting elements,
innovative and contextually appropriate designs. For such as POFs, to offer visual feedback and facilitate
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instance, Sanders and Stappers highlight how co-design sensory stimulation. 49-52 POF textiles integrate flexible
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Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 48 doi: 10.36922/IJAMD025170013