Illum - Cycling jacket with a twist
Challenge
PDD partnered with Goose Design, an independent and innovative apparel design consultancy, to merge technology with fabric in a piece of apparel designed to address aspects of safety, fashion and day-to-day functionality. The jacket needed to meet the needs of all types of cyclist in a style that would comfortably help cyclists to stand out on the road, but not in a crowd.
Solution
PDD employed a range of technologies to drive lighting, power, conductivity and switching in a discreet and elegant way that would not compromise usability. When activated by graphical soft switches, an electroluminescent print provides a 360 degree light source, which disappears when switched off. These features are powered by a solar charged thin film battery which activates the lighting via a transparent conductive layer.
Result
Washable, lightweight and flexible, Illum is a self-charging, powered external 'shell' made up of individual fabric panels designed to minimize weight and ensure the wearer remains cool, dry, comfortable and - above all - safe. The lightweight stretch fabric allows for a better fit across the body whiles also enabling moisture evaporation in 'hot spot' areas so the garment can be worn in most climates.
