A fungal textile wearable with SMA wires
Toward dynamic compression in a well-being context
E.Y. Cheng (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
S. Parisi – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Materializing Futures)
G. Huisman – Mentor (TU Delft - Perceptual Intelligence)
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Abstract
This graduation project explores the potential of fungal textile, a textile-like material grown from fungi, as a novel bio-based material for assistive wearable applications. The material production method developed by Fang, Parisi and Karana (2026) creates the opportunity for a mono-material system combining both textile-like and padding-like properties. In this project, fungal textile is combined with Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires to develop an assistive wearable, delivering dynamic compression to support the well-being of the user. The design process is guided by the Material Driven Design (MDD) method by Karana et al. (2015), which positions the material as the starting point for design exploration.
Project motivation
The motivation behind the project stems from a growing need for sustainable alternatives to current materials (Avramescu, 2021). Nowadays, compression therapy often relies on synthetic medical textiles and energy-intensive manufacturing processes (Zandberga et al., 2024). Bio-based materials such as fungal textiles create opportunities for lighter, biodegradable, and potentially circular material systems when properly used in the wearable design.
Method
The research combines a literature review, material exploration, technical testing, experience interviews, and expert co-design sessions. Literature research investigated fungal textile materials, SMA, and assistive wearable technologies. Based on these insights, a material concept was developed consisting of a three-layer system. Fungal textile was used for the outer layers, combined with an inner silicone layer embedding SMA wires. Technical tests were conducted to evaluate safety and activation behaviour.
User experience interviews explored how users perceived the material demonstrator, while expert co-design sessions with a physiotherapist and a psychologist helped identify relevant application opportunities within the well-being domain.
Main outcomes
The results show that fungal textile can provide a soft, natural and supportive material experience, while SMA wires can create subtle, muscle-like dynamic compression. Two promising application directions were created. The first is a breathing-support wearable for physiotherapy patients experiencing physical complaints related to stress. In this concept, dynamic compression helps with breathing patterns and correct posture. The second concept is a reassurance wearable for individuals with social anxiety disorder, providing a calming compression during stressful social situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this thesis was done to portray fungal textile as a novel, bio-based material and showcase its experiential and functional potential. This can spark inspiration for designers and well-being experts in future applications of the material.