UK apparel design consultancy, Goose, and product design consultancy, PDD, have unveiled a concept for a new sports jacket. The Illum jacket is based on cutting edge technology including electroluminescent ink and photovoltaic technology.

Aimed at improving safety for cyclists, the jacket consists of a self-charging, powered external ‘shell’ made up of individual fabric panels with properties selected to minimise weight and ensure the wearer remains cool, dry and visible. Illumination comes in the form of a series of electroluminescent surface graphics that fit logically around the anatomy.

Illum is activated by a soft-switch set into the cuff and powered by an integrated thin film battery that activates the lighting via a transparent, printable conductive layer. A further printable polymer forms a photovoltaic solar cell used to recharge the battery and ensure the jacket is self-sufficient.

PDD and Goose are currently speaking with possible production partners.