"There is a very real demand from industry for the development of 'smart' clothes and the aim of this research unit is to develop real-world products."

Addition: The Wearable Futures Conference was held in Wales in Sept. 14.-16. Because the conference had a very pragmatic approach it still makes sense to check their Website: Wearable Futures Conference

The Aim was: We will be examining how some broad generic questions will be explored in relation to wearable technology including but not restricted to: aesthetics and design, function and durability versus market forces; the desires, needs and realities of wearable technologies; technology and culture; simplicity and sustainability; design for wearability; wearables as theatre and wearables as emotional 'tools'.

The program was selected very well: Day 1 // Day 2 // Day 3
My favourite at day 1: Jessica Charlesworth, Independent, UK, WEARABLES AS RELATIONSHIP 'TOOLS' (view abstract)

You'll find all abstracts here: Abstracts Wearable Futures

The event was organized by Smart Clothes Wearable Technology Research Group, University of Wales, Newport and PDR, University of Wales Institute Cardiff. In association with SCAN (Southern Collaborative Arts Network).