j4k3t 2.0

Overview

j4k3t 2.0 represents the evolution of wearable electronic interfaces, building upon the foundation laid by the Musical MIDI Jacket from 1997. This project demonstrates how e-textile techniques have matured while maintaining their accessibility to makers and DIY enthusiasts.

Innovation

The Musical MIDI Jacket, developed in 1997 by Media Lab students, was a pioneering project that first demonstrated the use of off-the-shelf conductive threads and fabrics as media for:

• Sensing

• Electronic interconnection

j4k3t 2.0 shows how these techniques have evolved, becoming:

• Smaller

• More sophisticated

• More aesthetically refined (or as the team puts it, "350% cuter")

• Still accessible to anyone with basic tools (sewing machine and soldering iron)

Historical Context

This project stands as an important milestone in the evolution of e-textiles, showing how the field progressed from early experiments to more refined and practical implementations while maintaining the core principle of accessibility to makers and DIY enthusiasts.

Team

• Rehmi Post

• Kit Waal

• Noah Vawter

Exhibition

The project was featured in the SEAMLESS Fashion & Technology Exhibition