The classroom collaboration marked the beginning of an ongoing partnership. While on sabbatical, Tuttle continued working with Tatum Robotics as a Garment Design and Production Consultant, leading the design and refinement of glove patterns and prototypes for new iterations of the robotic hand.

Solving for Signal, Fit, and Function

Designing the glove required balancing technical and material challenges. It needed to transmit signals from the robotic hand through the fabric to the user’s hand. Early attempts with wires and conductive thread proved inconsistent, leading Tuttle to source conductive stretch fabrics that ensured consistent signal flow while remaining flexible and comfortable.

Range of motion was equally critical. Early prototypes limited movement and prevented the thumb and pinky finger from fully touching to form the letter “W.” Through iterative pattern adjustments and testing, Tuttle refined articulation without compromising conductivity. Prototypes were also adapted to different user needs. Low-vision designs featured high-contrast elements between the thumb and fingers, while gloves for users with no vision prioritized tactile clarity and comfort.

Throughout the process, Tuttle worked directly with members of the DeafBlind community, refining multiple prototypes and moving the project closer to a market-ready, accessible product.

“While testing a new version that incorporated high-contrast fabric placement and conductive fabric, John, a low-vision user, shared with enthusiasm that he could fully understand what was being communicated. It was quite a thrill to share in his excitement about the improvements,” said Tuttle of the shared design process. “Collaborating with members of the DeafBlind community was a unique and meaningful experience. I valued the opportunity to learn how DeafBlind individuals navigate and experience the world, and I applied those insights to design a more comfortable and interactive glove. I am deeply inspired by their joy, appreciation, and perseverance.”

In addition to material research and prototyping, Tuttle guided the project’s creative direction, production, fabric sourcing, and cost management. She collaborated closely with the Tatum Robotics team to ensure the glove aligned with both technical requirements and the project’s broader accessibility goals.

The Tatum1 Robot has since launched, and DeafBlind users can order it through health insurance. “I am grateful to have played a small role in bringing this wonderful innovation to life,” shared Tuttle.

Bringing Real-World Innovation into the Classroom

Experiences like this shape how Tuttle approaches teaching. By integrating projects connected to emerging technologies and inclusive design, she helps students understand the practical and socially impactful applications of their skills. Through the Tatum Robotics collaboration, students engaged in interdisciplinary problem-solving, balancing technical requirements, user experience, and design considerations. The project broadened their understanding of the career pathways available to Fashion Design graduates.

“MassArt Fashion Design seniors embraced this unique design challenge with excitement, curiosity, and determination. They developed highly specialized skills as they designed for a robot’s fit, function, and range of motion, and for the comfort and usability needs of DeafBlind individuals, thoughtfully addressing their distinct experiences and challenges.” said Tuttle. “I was deeply impressed by their ability to apply what they learned in their fashion design courses to this real-world inclusive design challenge. It was a rewarding experience not just for the students, but for everyone involved.”

Students from one of the design teams reflected, “We discovered that fashion can truly intersect with any industry or field. Although we did not imagine that ASL and fashion could come together in this beautiful and unique way, we are grateful that we got to participate in this innovative process, and excited to witness the future of Tatum Robotics. We can already imagine a future with greater access to communication and information for the DeafBlind.”

At MassArt, projects like this demonstrate that fashion design is not only about what we wear. It is about how design can expand communication, increase independence, and create more inclusive ways of living.