Wearable and washable computers which could be used for medical and military purposes are one step closer after a prototype garment which integrates electronic micro-devices into the core of yarns was produced by Nottingham Trent University.

The real time tour, designed at Nottingham Trent University for the Galleries of Justice Museum, allows visitors with physical impairments to experience of the lower levels of the gaol, which they would otherwise miss out on due to design and age of the building.

Co-Innovate is a two year European Regional Development Fund supported project to bring together the internationally renowned work of Brunel’s School of Engineering and Design with London-based small and medium sized enterprises to make a significant impact in innovation and new product development in the region.

Inspired by the achievements of the British Olympic team, we imagine an ideal future in which the Industrial Design community and academia work together for mutual benefit. And although collaboration has flourished in some areas, we look at how BDI is taking the initiative to bring the two closer together.