I’m Stanley, the Creative Director of KnitWarm, an innovative company based in Hong Kong. At KnitWarm, we specialize in seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology into everyday life through our products. Our design philosophy centers on making innovation approachable and user-friendly. Rather than aiming for overly "futuristic" or "space-age" aesthetics, we focus on enhancing everyday comfort. By utilizing advanced technologies, we create products that look and feel like typical clothing accessories—functional, familiar, and effortlessly usable for everyone.

Please introduce your company’s signature product.

KnitWarm is a pioneer in using thermally conductive smart textiles, leading innovation in this field. One of our flagship products is the “WarmerShoulder,” which was honored with a K-Design Award 2024. Developed at the request of physical therapists, this self-care thermal therapy device is designed to wrap the shoulder perfectly while weighing only 97 grams. The core of our technology lies in integrating silver-plated conductive yarns into the fabric structure. When powered, the fabric generates evenly distributed heat, allowing users to control the temperature precisely. Unlike traditional bulky devices that rely on heated wires or liquid, KnitWarm’s textile is breathable, flexible, and feels as comfortable as regular clothing. Additionally, it can be controlled via a smartphone app, making it more than just a therapy tool—it’s wearable in everyday life.

Another signature product is the “Pocket Warmer Scarf,” developed in collaboration with various designers and long-established brands. This scarf combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, offering both style and functionality. It’s stylish, warm, and comfortable—perfectly showcasing how KnitWarm’s smart textile technology can be seamlessly integrated into daily fashion.

What was the most challenging part of developing your product, considering the material limitations of textiles related to heat conduction?

One of the greatest challenges was ensuring that the thermally conductive smart textile could provide consistent warmth while remaining thin and flexible. Traditional heating products tend to be bulky, uncomfortable, and often suffer from uneven heat distribution. To overcome this, we adopted an innovative approach by combining silver-plated conductive yarns with sustainable materials. This allowed us to develop a product that delivers soft, even warmth while maintaining breathability and comfort. Throughout the development process, we worked closely with technical engineers to create a product that seamlessly blends technology with style. Special attention was paid to durability—we enhanced the structural design of the conductive yarn so that even if part of the yarn breaks, the product still functions reliably. This level of durability was essential not only for maintaining a sleek appearance but also for delivering dependable performance.

Interestingly, the textile material itself offered significant flexibility in development. We fully utilized its properties to choose sustainable materials and employed advanced 3D knitting technology, resulting in zero production waste. For example, our EyeMask 2.0 uses fibers containing marine collagen peptides extracted from food waste, creating an environmentally friendly product. Through these efforts, we were able to realize a product that is both highly durable and reliable.

Which area does KnitWarm prioritize more—'new technology' or 'design'? Also, could you explain the direction KnitWarm is pursuing?

At KnitWarm, we focus on the seamless integration of technology and design, prioritizing the development of user-centered products that align with real-life preferences. Through extensive applied research, we emphasize intuitive, everyday usability. From a design perspective, we go beyond aesthetics to deliver products that combine style, innovation, and functionality. Our design philosophy is rooted in inclusivity—our products are made to deliver warmth to everyone, regardless of age or gender. We aim to enhance quality of life while upholding environmental responsibility through sustainable materials, practical functionality, and thoughtful design. We don’t view heating products as something reserved for the frail or elderly—instead, we believe warmth supports the well-being and comfort of all people. Our goal is to create products that make life better for everyone and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

You seem to collaborate frequently. What is your most popular product right now, and are there any upcoming collaborations?

The agape · Keiko · KnitWarm X Chicks Pocket Warmer Scarf is currently our most popular product. It’s the result of a dynamic collaboration among several partners and exemplifies how we introduced groundbreaking wearable concepts to a traditional brand with decades of history—while still preserving its core identity. The project did more than just produce a product—it delivered new experiences for users and enriched the brand's narrative. It was a win-win for both customers and our partner brands. Building on this successful collaboration, we plan to further expand our global partnerships. One standout example is our recent collaboration with INJURY, an Australian fashion brand. This project debuted our thermally conductive smart knitwear at Australian Fashion Week and later at HK CENTRESTAGE. The goal was to create stylish, comfortable, and seasonless fashion using KnitWarm’s textile innovations. We are also excited about an upcoming project with an academic institution in Japan, aiming to explore new directions in the Japanese market. We thrive on the synergy that collaboration brings and look forward to pushing boundaries and expanding KnitWarm’s reach into new global markets.

As a designer, what goal would you most like to achieve?

Our goal is to continuously push the boundaries of smart textile technology and expand our product range to meet diverse needs. We aim to develop innovative and inclusive solutions that create a positive impact on the world. Our vision is for KnitWarm products to become an essential part of daily life—enhancing comfort and well-being in a sustainable yet stylish way. By doing so, we hope to improve people’s quality of life while also contributing to the environment. Additionally, we look forward to collaborating with more brands and designers to introduce our technology to new audiences and markets, growing together through shared innovation.