Uyen Truong Portfolio - KINETIC GOWN

Timeline: 6 months

Kinetic Gown is the title of my Bachelor of Science Technical Design thesis (2022).

Inspired by the movement and textures of the ocean, the project merges aesthetic exploration with technical design and engineering. Kinetic Gown began as an experimental robotic apparel concept investigating the relationship between nature, the human body, and mechanical motion. This kinetic concept was later adapted for medical application.

The Kinetic Hospital Gown is a modest, practical, and interactive garment that emphasizes modular functionality, allowing the garment to respond to changes in temperature.

Developed in collaboration with the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Faculty Research Space, engineering students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Kellogg’s Research Lab, the project explored the potential of kinetic design within medical use by reimagining the conventional hospital gown.

The Kinetic Hospital Gown aims to support physically impaired patients who may be unable to independently roll up their sleeves or adjust garment hems.

Kinetic Gown by Uyen Truong

research development

MATERIALS

Fabrics - Digital printed, 100% organic cotton.

Developed by Linen Master Studio, China

Mechanical components.

(Hover over images for detailed information)

.75mm NiTiNol Wire - SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY (ENGINEERED by KRL)

.5mm Conductive Threads

1mm Heat Shrink Tubing

Adafruit Temp sensor

Adruino Nano wireless

PROTOTYPING

Kinetic Gown - Fitting and 1st Proto

Kinetic Gown - 3D Fitting

Kinetic Gown - 3D Prototype

KHG by Uyen Truong- Technical Sketch

KHG by Uyen Truong - Technical Sketch details

Special thanks to -

James Pearce, FIT Faculty Research Lab (the project sponsored & co-researched)
Mason Kresge and Charles Weinberg, Kellogg's Research Lab (supplied and engineered SMAs)

Linen master Studio (digitally printed fabric)

MIT & FIT ‘22 Workshop Mentors & Teammates:
Kanay Okolo, Hong Nguyen, Shahira Shokrat, Rachel Bellisle, Rachael Granberry, Andy Liu
(co-researched)

Video + Photography
Cinemographs: Cameron Boss & Alessandro Casagli
Assisting: Sangah Kim

THE END