Fun Pants: I invite individuals to step into their own light

About Me

I am a Product Designer based in San Francisco, with technology, the world becomes your canvas, and you can create experiences ranging from subtle to immersive, which captivated me. By combining my love for jewelry with technology, I have gained an understanding of the opportunities and challenges that come with designing for wearables.

The Story

In a world that often feels heavy, I created FUN PANTS as a joyful reminder to embrace life and find moments of fun. These pants empower individuals to walk or dance in their own light, inspiring others to do the same. By merging the trendy style of slits on jean legs with illuminated LEDs, FUN PANTS offer a captivating and interactive fashion experience. Strategically placed side-illuminating LED lights create a visually striking and immersive effect as they illuminate from the bottom of the pant legs.

In recent years, the fashion industry has embraced slits on the bottom side of pants, adding movement, playfulness, and versatility to traditional designs. FUN PANTS take this existing trend to new heights by infusing it with a touch of magic through the incorporation of side-illuminating LEDs.

What I particularly appreciate about this design is its versatility for both men and women. Depending on the type of jeans worn, FUN PANTS can create a look that exudes masculinity or femininity. It is important to note that the design is not intended for every type of jean. When considering the fit, allowing room in the waist, thigh, and calf areas is crucial for comfort and ease of movement. It's important that the denim does not drag on the floor.

FUN PANTS are not just about fashion; they serve as a reminder to celebrate life and bring joy into our daily experiences. With each step or dance move, these pants radiate light and encourage a positive outlook. They are a wearable expression of the playful and vibrant spirit within us all.

Prototype

Design Iterations

After some thought, I have come up with a plan that involves attaching the NLITEN Tech Controller to the denim. This integration would entail a combination of a custom-designed enclosure and a pocket sewn into the inside of the jeans. In my exploration, I am currently focusing on the calf area along the outer seam of the denim. There are two styles of pockets in the photo above.

In order to connect the LEDs to the battery, which is located in a back pocket, wires will run up both legs along the outer seam of the jeans. The wire on the left in the GIF above, is a stretchy cable that allows for freedom of movement and bending of the knee.

Initially, I considered using a piece of fabric with a snap or button for connection. However, I realized that creating a denim enclosure, sewn on the top and bottom as shown in the GIF above, would provide a better solution. In this design, one side of the enclosure is sewn to the outer seam (let's say the left side), while the right side remains movable to allow for unlocking or locking the cables in place.

I have chosen to incorporate these guides at each connection point, which amounts to approximately three on the leg and four by the LEDS. This design ensures that the wires have a reliable guide without causing any restrictions or discomfort.

Why did I choose to work with denim?

Denim is a durable and versatile fabric, known for its medium to heavyweight nature, which makes it suitable for incorporating technology into garments. Its tensile strength allows it to withstand repeated use.

There are different types of denim available, and I have chosen a semi-stretch option. However, I am also considering a no-stretch variant. When creating a garment with wearable technology, there is a delicate balance between flow and structure. I aim for the garment to have enough flexibility to accommodate the integration of technology while ensuring that it is properly secured and functional. At the same time, it should allow for comfortable movement.

Bekonix Designer

This is a simple layout of my LEDs with the NLITEN Tech Controller.

This is a basic video to show how to use the Bekonix software to create interactions with LEDS. Really fun to use.

Bekonix App

I had the opportunity to experience the app developed by Bekonix, connecting it to my NLITEN Tech Controller, and I found it incredibly user-friendly. If this product is brought to the market, I can create a shared folder and send various interactions to my users. This means that the LEDs can receive updates in color and different sparkling effects.

Manufacturing

I am planning to collaborate with a denim manufacturer and currently engaged in research to identify the perfect fit for my project.

Final Thoughts

This project was completed in under a week due to a personal constraint—I didn't have the tech in my hands sooner. While I had the idea, I couldn't proceed with the design without having the necessary technology. I am so happy that the timeline was extended, as it allowed me to bring this project to fruition. I felt a deep sense of compulsion to undertake this project, knowing that I wouldn't forgive myself if I didn't.

Furthermore, I would like to incorporate an accelerometer or motion sensor into my project. This addition would enable the LEDs to be triggered by motion, adding an interactive element to the design.

Throughout this process, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge about denim that was previously unknown to me. It has been an incredibly valuable learning experience.

Resources

Caring for your everyday denim

Denim terminology