The latest development in wearable technologies has attracted much attention. In particular, collection and analysis of body fluids has been a focus. In this paper, we have reported a wearable microfluidic platform made using conventional fabric materials and laser micromachining to measure the flow rate on a patterned fabric surface, referred to as digital droplet flowmetry (DDF). The proposed wearable DDF is capable of collecting and measuring continuous perspiration with high precision (96% on average) in a real-time fashion over a defined area of skin. We have introduced a theoretical model for the proposed wearable interfacial microfluidic platform, under which various design parameters have been investigated and optimized for various conditions. The novel digitalized measurement principle of DDF provides fast responses, digital readouts, system flexibility, and continuous performance of the flow measurement. Moreover, the proposed DDF platform can be conveniently implemented on regular apparel or a wearable device, and has potential to be applied to dynamic removal, collection and monitoring of biofluids for various physiological and clinical processes.

This study was designed as a bottom-up approach to understanding what kind of changeable functions people desire in transformable garments by analysing a wardrobe database, participants' perceptions of garment varieties, and participants' values related to transformable garments (specifically tops, the wardrobe garment with the most observed design variability). The wardrobe database was analysed using data quantification and descriptive analysis. Style-conscious professional women, ages 20-40, were interviewed; their perceptions and values related to design variability in tops was the focus. Versatility was the most important reason for preferring specific changeable design functions. Among candidates for changeable design functions, the most preferred functions were transforming colours or patterns and sleeve lengths. Participants had three expectations for transformable garments: functional (ease of matching, ease of layering, comfort, usability, ease of care, and durability), hedonic (fun and be able to experiment with various styles), and social (context aptness and modesty).

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand what dimensions consumers prefer to track using wearable technology to achieve a healthier lifestyle and how these tracking dimensions are related. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted with potential consumers in the USA, and a series of Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis and multiple regressions was conducted. Findings The most preferred self-tracking dimensions, tracking dimensions on others, most private tracking dimensions, most variable dimensions, and the dimensions that need to be improved were identified. The results of this study showed positive relationships overall among similar types of tracking dimensions, such as among dimensions of physical health condition (disease and disorder symptoms and general vital signs), mental health condition (stress level and mood/feeling), healthy lifestyle (fitness, and pose and posture), and productivity and task management (work productivity, location, and time management). Originality/value Designers are encouraged to make wearable technology products that are durable, easy to care for, attractive in design, comfortable to wear and use, able to track preferred dimensions, appropriate for various consumers, unobtrusive, portable, and small. This research will guide wearable technology and fashion industry professionals in the development process of wearable technology to benefit consumers by helping them be more self-aware, empowering them to develop a healthier lifestyle, and ultimately increasing their quality of life and well-being.