Coativity: The Interactive Jacket Connecting People in the Real World

Integrating Technology and Fashion to Foster Meaningful Connections

Coativity is not just a jacket; it is a bridge between the digital and physical realms. By linking the jacket to a mobile application, users can select their preferences, such as dating, networking, or festivals. Based on these choices, the jacket interacts with others who are nearby and share similar interests, using light as a means of communication. This unique feature allows for spontaneous meetings on the street, enhancing social interactions and creating opportunities for genuine connections.

The jacket is made of fabric combined with LED lights, sensors, and a jack plug. The focus during the design process was to create a visually appealing and comfortable piece of clothing that users would want to wear. The subtile and diffuse light emitted by the jacket adds a touch of elegance and intrigue, making it a desirable fashion statement.

Coativity can be connected to the internet by plugging the cable of the jacket into a mobile device. Through the accompanying app, users can choose from multiple applications, each tailored to specific social scenarios. Whether it's a festival, a networking event, or a casual encounter, the jacket responds to the environment and the wearer's preferences, facilitating connections and enhancing social experiences.

The project started in March 2016 in The Hague and was completed in September 2016. Throughout the design process, extensive research was conducted on human behavior in social environments. The aim was to address the challenges of initiating first contact in today's digital-oriented world. By integrating light and fabric in innovative ways, Henk-Jan Room discovered the most promising approach to bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds.

Coativity has received recognition for its groundbreaking design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Wearable Technologies category in 2017. This prestigious accolade acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life. Coativity's integration of art, science, design, and technology exemplifies its contribution to making the world a better place.

Coativity, the Interactive Jacket, is a testament to the power of design to connect people and foster meaningful interactions in the real world. By combining fashion and technology, Henk-Jan Room has created a unique and innovative piece of clothing that encourages us to break free from the confines of the digital realm and embrace the richness of human connections.