DXARTS Softlab

Overview

Initiated in 2016 by Associate Professor Dr. Afroditi Psarra within the Department of Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS) at the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle, the DXARTS SoftLab is a specialized academic research space and publishing platform dedicated to electronic textiles (e-textiles), soft-circuits, and wearable technology. Located in the School of Art Building (ART 333) on the UW campus, the lab operates as a dedicated research extension of DXARTS’s digital fabrication facilities (such as “The 8”). It is equipped with conductive/resistive yarns, piezo-resistive fabrics, digital embroidery units, overlock/sewing machinery, vinyl cutters, and computerized knitting machines.

Mission

The SoftLab’s mission is to examine the role of workmanship in post-digital artistic research, redefine traditional handicrafts through cyber-crafts, and explore the human body as an interface of control. Grounded in the concept of Ubiquitous Computing and open-source technology, the lab seeks to democratize technological production through hands-on crafting methodologies. By promoting interdisciplinary practice-based research across the university campus, the SoftLab strives to support diverse, equitable, and speculative inquiry at the intersection of art, science, and technology.

Programs / Opportunities

• Artist-in-Residence (A-I-R) Programs: Thematic short-term residencies providing selected artists with 1-month stays, studio facilities, open studio sessions, artist talks, and public exhibitions.
• Directed Research Groups (DRGs) & Independent Studies: Structured academic research opportunities enabling undergraduate and graduate students to develop e-textile fabrication techniques, soft circuitry, and performative wearable artifacts.
• Graduate & Undergraduate Academic Advising: Direct MA/PhD thesis advising, studio course access, paper publication support, and festival presentation opportunities.
• Guest Talks, Workshops & Online Publishing: Public lectures, hands-on workshops, and online documentation serving as a digital publishing platform for affiliated research projects.

Target Community

• University Students & Researchers: UW students across departments (including DXARTS majors, minors, and non-majors), graduate researchers, and interdisciplinary collaborators.
• International New Media & Tech-Art Networks: Media arts festivals, academic conferences (such as Ars Electronica, ISEA, SIGGRAPH, and ISWC), and the broader UW academic ecosystem.