About

The Wearable Technology Lab is directed by Dr. Lucy Dunne. Founded in 2009, WTL research focuses on the intersection between apparel and new technology: for instance, in expanding garment functionality through dynamic aesthetics and new sensing functions; in improving the way we use, manage, and consume clothing; and in streamlining the design and manufacturing processes of smart clothing. Many projects deal with translating technological potential into the real, everyday world: understanding human physical and emotional comfort and balancing these variables with tradeoffs of performance variables in a smart system design.

The WTL is part of the Wearable Product Design Center at the University of Minnesota's College of Design.

Facilities and Equipment

We are housed in 340 McNeal Hall, on the UMN St Paul Campus.

Facilities include:

Cyberquins Running Mannequin

BTS SMART-E optical motion capture system

Biopac biological data acquisition system

BMR Clinical electrical muscle stimulators

4-channel Thermoprobe

Electronic prototyping, programming, and test equipment

Foam cutter

Laundry facilities

Instron tensile tester

Extensive manual/mechanical textile test equipment