Seasons: Exploring the Dynamic Thermochromic Smart Textile Applications for Intangible Cultural Heritage Revitalization

Smart textiles have attracted great attention from Human-Computer Interaction and this study explored how dynamic thermochromic textiles may contribute to the transmission and revitalization of textile Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). We proposed Seasons which is an interactive cheongsam developed as a novel exploration in traditional craftsmanship of Shanghai-style cheongsam and smart textiles. Seasons consists of animated visual patterns including 4 stages, new leaves sprout and flowers from buds to full bloom as demonstrations of spring and summer, while leaves turn yellow in autumn and snow comes in winter. Subsequently, we presented the implementation process, feedback from the inheritors of ICH and visitors in the exhibition. In conclusion, we explored how computational thermochromic patterns may enhance the aesthetic and expression in traditional clothing. There is a great design space for thermal-activated smart textiles and this paper is believed to contribute to the future development of smart textile applications for ICH.