Interactive fabric brings bedtime stories to life

“Read it again, Daddy!” might become an easier task with the development of a new “interactive” textile.

TexTales, the brainstorm of Dutch Ph.D. candidate Kristi Kuusk, weaves images into bed linens that interact through a kind of QR code with handheld tablets and smart phones to bring imagery to virtual life. Moving either the fabric or devices allows the image to “move”; at the same time, users can interact with the characters in the space between the device and the linen. The technique works with iOS (5.0 and higher) and Android (2.3 and higher) software on smartphones and tablets with rear-facing cameras.

Kuusk is a student at the Eindhoven (Netherlands) University of Technology; her research focuses on finding possibilities for more sustainable fashion design through the use of technology and crafts inspiration. To realize the project she decided to collaborate with high-tech 3D animators Unit040, design company Toer, and Acker textiles company.

Recalling the Old World tradition of storytelling through tapestry and native apparel, the TexTales project is being funded through a KickStarter campaign.