At Readwrite and ReadWrite Labs, we believe there’s much to be learned from the pioneers shaping new industries. Recently, we spoke with Jeremy Wall, the Founder and CEO of Lumenus, about wearables, smart clothing, and textiles.
Q: Do you think mainstream consumers are ready for connected clothing?
A: Mainstream consumers aren’t quite seeking connected clothing yet. The current demand lies in niche markets like athletes and artists. Workplace uniforms are seeing initial adoption, highlighting the role of fashion in branding and fan engagement.
Q: What is the biggest challenge hindering smart textiles today?
A: The primary obstacle for smart textiles is their cost. While technology can be integrated into fabrics at a sophisticated level, the high prices and limited market demand impede widespread adoption.
Q: How will the latest advancements in textile technology transform consumer value?
A: Collaborative innovation between startups and established brands can propel beneficial products to the market. This approach harnesses vast data from existing consumer bases to optimize products for mass appeal.
Q: Which corporations are leading the smart textile movement and which are lagging?
A: Companies like Google and Levi’s collaborate effectively in smart clothing. Strategic partnerships drive innovation, distinguishing successful ventures from those struggling to define their target consumers.
Q: Is fashion alone sufficient? What do consumers really seek in wearable tech?
A: While fashion plays a role, consumers desire wearables offering practical functionality and personalized insights. Effective design combined with tangible benefits enhances everyday experiences and fosters adoption.
Q: Which sectors stand to gain the most from adopting wearable tech and smart clothing?
A: High-risk occupational fields benefit significantly from wearable technology, enhancing safety, productivity, and cost-efficiency. Augmented Reality finds applications in various industries beyond social media, showcasing substantial potential for workplace improvements.
Q: What has been the key challenge in establishing Lumenus?
A: Identifying strategic partners has proven challenging in a budding industry lacking established market leaders. Finding collaborators who share a common vision and commitment to innovation is vital in propelling new products to market.
Q: Which companies exemplify successful practices in the industry? What innovations have impressed you?
A: Companies like MYO and StrongArm Technologies drive industry progress through visionary approaches and impactful solutions. Their focus on collaboration and market-driven innovation sets them apart in the evolving landscape of wearable technology.
Lumenus, an alumnus of ReadWrite Labs Accelerator, aims to make safety ubiquitous through innovative wearable technology. Their vision underscores the importance of strategic partnerships and shared values in driving industry advancement.
