Consumer resistance to innovation: smart clothing

Abstract

Smart clothing is believed to have an enormous growth potential, but at present, it is not so attractive in terms of sales. This study identified various obstacles affecting consumers’ interest in smart clothing. Interviews were conducted with consumers who are resistant to innovation, those who would continue to use their phones and wearable devices of which safety and functionality have already been proven but reject smart clothing. Availability, which refers to the extent to which consumers can use a product or service, is also a significant factor influencing the innovation resistance of smart clothing. It was also observed that consumers reject smart clothing as an act of resisting innovation; many stated that they would not buy smart clothing unless a trustable brand produces it with appropriate functions and lower prices. Some people said that they refuse to purchase smart clothing due to aesthetic dissatisfaction despite the improved quality and performance. These results indicate that manufacturers should consider what functionality or technology would be appropriate to incorporate in clothing while ensuring fashionable styles and availability in many sizes.

EMG Measurement with Textile-Based Electrodes in Different Electrode Sizes and Clothing Pressures for Smart Clothing Design Optimization

“…Moreover, heat pressed electrodes do not create unnecessary marks on the reverse side of the fabric. These characteristics correspond well with consumers’ requirements that technological electronics are not present externally in the clothing [ 11 ].…”

“…Despite those pioneers of smart clothing with SEMG electrodes on the market, there are still technological and socio-economical hurdles for the significant spread of smart clothing, such as high prices and aesthetical dissatisfaction, comfort, and ease of use [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. At the same time, the rapid development of textile electrodes is producing sensor-embedded clothing that is like conventional clothing without deteriorating the wearer’s comfort [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Country Differences in Determinants of Behavioral Intention towards Sustainable Apparel Products

“…First, this study did not analyze the samples according to their age, social, or income level factors, therefore, emphasis should be assigned to the differences in behavioral intention to buy SAP and determinants among consumers from different genders, ages, and financial levels in a future study. This research has focused on the general apparel products and, therefore, in future, differences between apparel and other product categories or the application of sustainability into smart clothing due to the innovative technology [109] can be examined based on this research model. Additionally, this study carried out quantitative research using an online survey without any in-depth discussion among respondents, so in further research a qualitative methodology such as in-depth interviews or focus group interviews can be conducted.…”

Implementation of an Automated Manufacturing Process for Smart Clothing: The Case Study of a Smart Sports Bra

“…To this end, the currently developed automated sewing system was examined, and a new automatic manufacturing process for smart clothing was proposed. Smart clothing is a new clothing concept with the convergence of information and communication technology (ICT) [10]. Therefore, the material constituting it is relatively limited compared to that generally required to produce fashion clothing, and the design is also simple.…”