Responsive Behaviors and Design Methods of Intelligent Textile Materials in Multisensory Interactive Art Environments

Fang Zhang , Yulan Wei , Fengyi Zhang , Yong Hu
Article
2026 / Volume 9 / Pages 4628-4652
Published 27 April 2026

Abstract

In the field of multisensory interactive art, intelligent textiles with environmental perception and active feedback capabilities play a critical role in enhancing immersive experiences. However, existing studies are largely confined to single electrical functionalities, with limited integration of non-visual modalities such as olfaction. Moreover, conventional planar sensor architectures are insufficient to deliver volumetric haptic feedback and high-sensitivity responses under low pressure. To address these limitations, a systematic design methodology based on wet spinning and tufting processes is proposed. Conductive carbon nanotubes and olfactory microcapsules were first co-dispersed within a sodium alginate matrix to fabricate multifunctional bio-based fibers. Subsequently, a three-dimensional force-haptic structure featuring vertically aligned fiber arrays was constructed using tufting technology. Finally, a quantitative mapping model was established to correlate structural parameters with responsive behaviors. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed structure achieves a high sensitivity of 15.6 kPa-1 in the low-pressure regime through a buckling instability mechanism, while exhibiting bio-tissue-like nonlinear mechanical damping and a compression-triggered fragrance response. A response surface-based parametric design approach enabled performance prediction and target-driven parameter selection within the studied range, with an error below 10%. In a preliminary installation-level user study (N = 20), the multisensory prototype showed 45% higher perceived immersion and 60% higher emotional arousal than a visual-only condition. By quantitatively linking structural parameters to multisensory response characteristics, this work provides a design-oriented parametric framework for the engineering implementation of interactive art installations.

Keywords

intelligent textiles, multisensory interaction, bio-based fibers, tufted structure, haptic feedback