Tactical: A Revolution in Textile Design

Exploring Haptic Sensations with Sofie Di Bartolomeo's Award-Winning Design

The world of textile design has been given a new dimension with the creation of Tactical, a design inspired by haptic sensations. Sofie Di Bartolomeo, the creative mind behind this innovation, has turned the spotlight on the tactile aspect of fabrics, often overlooked in the fashion industry. By manipulating the screen-printing technique, Di Bartolomeo has brought the tactile experience to the forefront, challenging the conventional flatness of printed fabrics.

What sets Tactical apart is its unique three-dimensional surface. The design features a modular pattern made up of small pearls that vary in size, creating a dense, tactile texture on some areas of the fabric while leaving others completely empty. This contrast between the smooth, shiny base of the fabric and the rubbery, opaque pattern enhances the tactile experience, making it a key element of the design.

The creation of Tactical involves a blend of traditional and modern techniques. The pattern is designed using a parametric 3D software, which allows for manipulation and the creation of fading effects. A specialized screen-printing technique is then used to transfer the pattern to the fabric. The fabric is then baked in an oven, where the applied paste undergoes a growth process, giving the surface its three-dimensional effect.

While Tactical can be used in both fashion and interior design, it is particularly suited for wearable contexts. The tactile surface is designed to be placed on areas of the body that are subject to manipulative gestures, adding a new dimension to the act of dressing. The pattern composition stimulates the tactile receptors in the fingers, creating a unique interaction between the wearer and the fabric.

Designed in Boras, Sweden, over a period of six months, Tactical was exhibited at the international trade fair for fabrics, MoOD Brussels, in Belgium. The design was the result of extensive research into tactility and the development of a new screen-printing technique. The final product was tested on the human body, with participants reporting a heightened sense of connection with their bodies, a testament to the design's success in rethinking the importance of touch in design.

Tactical's innovative approach to textile design has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, it was awarded the Platinum A' Textile, Fabric, Textures, Patterns, and Cloth Design Award, a prestigious accolade that recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs. This award is a testament to Di Bartolomeo's ingenuity and her contribution to pushing the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology.