A Model for Combining Wearable Technology and Cheongsam Design
Bei Yang, Fengqiu Guo · TEXTILE · 2025
With the advancement of science and technology, wearable technology has emerged as a pivotal force in the field of smart clothing, introducing innovative avenues for the design and innovation of traditional costumes. The cheongsam, a symbol of Chinese national costume, embodies a rich cultural connotation. The integration of wearable technology into cheongsam design represents a novel approach to advancing the innovative design of traditional Chinese clothing. This study employs a grounded theory methodology and utilizes interview data as a sample to summarize the key elements involved in the integration of wearable technology and cheongsam design. It constructs a theoretical model for this integration, proposes an effective design process alongside digital design practices, and evaluates the design outcomes. The findings indicate that design integration, circular economy, technological innovation, and user experience constitute the four essential elements of the synergy between wearable technology and cheongsam design. These elements are interdependent, creating a dynamic and interactive ecosystem. Furthermore, the study introduces an intelligent design principle for the cheongsam that emphasizes the relationship among technological functionality, national style, and cultural psychology, with the ultimate aim of enhancing user experience. The results not only offer a viable pathway for the intelligent design of the Chinese cheongsam but also provide theoretical and practical insights for the technological transformation of traditional clothing in other countries worldwide.