This smart textile project explores the concept of anxious breathing, using visual cues that replicate the rapid, uneven breathing associated with anxiety. Created with textile origami and Arduino boards, the mechanism responds to a person’s presence by increasing its speed when someone approaches, mimicking the sensation of heightened anxiety. When someone walks by or stands in front of it, the installation’s rhythm accelerates, reflecting the rush of anxious breath. As the viewer steps back, the motion slows, encouraging a return to calm breathing. This interactive experience offers a subtle visual aid for understanding and easing anxiety through breath awareness.
In this collaborative smart textile project, my role focused on working with fabric origami and developing the mechanism to connect it with the Arduino system. I explored various folding techniques to achieve the desired breathing effect, while also refining the setup to ensure the textile and Arduino worked seamlessly together. This integration was essential for creating a lifelike, rhythmic motion that serves as a calming visual reminder to breathe.
FINAL PROTOTYPE
