Last Saturday, we all gathered around and listened intently to Tom Wujec, Autodesk Fellow and creative engieer, about how to visualize our ideas and synthesize innovation. It was amazing! After the workshop, a few of us talked to Tom about his feelings on technology and innovation. The result was an hour long conversation and insight to what we need to do to empower women to get passionate about technology. Watch, listen, and learn:

Dare 2B Digital Digitized from Sunshine Mugrabi on Vimeo.

Cute Circuit, a wearable technology company, has made the red carpet in style. Katy Perry wore a beautifully designed illuminated gown to the the Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4th. The dress has a colorful rotating pattern made from over 300 LED lights with an on-off switch hidden in the cleavage. Katy told InStyle that, “Fashion can be a little stuffy, so I wanted to lighten up.” Mission accomplished!

"Want more of those flashing lights? For a more dramatic disco effect, click the image below from JEZEBEL!"

(More images after the break)

Switch is happy to welcome sustainability designer Bao-Khang Luu as a guest blogger this week.

Bao is an artist, web designer, and life-long upcycler in New York City.  He likes to design with a multidisciplinary approach, combining ubiquitous computing, microbiology, dance, and, most importantly, cupcakes. One of his current ventures includes a line of eco-friendly lighting made from post-consumer waste such as six-pack rings and plastic shopping bags. He is also  collaborating with designer Alice An of Candifiend Studio and architect Fidelma Hawney in creating a collection of upcycled statement jewelry.

Bao will be highlighting the importance and beauty of sustainability and upcycling in design practice. Welcome Bao!

I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Darmour of Electricfoxy.com at SXSW and the Smart Fabrics Conference this year. She is the beauty and brains behind electricfoxy.com, a site that investigates the aesthetics and influence of garments that have electronics built directly into them.

[Image from ComicMix.]

For all those with short attention spans, (like me), and want to get right to the Gunn - hang in there. I am going to try to make a point - I promise it will be short. If you just can't wait to see Tim Gunn, the video is after the break!

After seeing Autistic designer Temple Grandin's amazing talk at TED this year and learning about accepting "all kinds of minds," it was really satisfying to see Leo Chao's Beagle Scarf Hoodie. The scarf is a thoughtful design response to the needs of Autistic children. Though Autism can range in severity, it interferes with people's sensitivities. Even the smallest noise, smell, or texture can be very disturbing. According to the Yanko Design blog, "A recent research suggests that stimulants like music, aromatherapy, and textured toys can help alleviate the condition."

This is not your grandma's quilt! Last week in Rio de Janeiro, participants at the Clube de Idéias created 64 interactive patches for Aniomagic's interactive quilt workshop. The participants were passersbys who stopped for a few minutes to sew, iron, decorate, or program. The patches often have many authors, combining skills and styles to create a truly unique interactive artifact. Each patch has a mimeolight, a light you program with flashlight or waving of your hands, which makes it easily programmed and personalized. (Images after the break)

Go to Aniomagic's website to find out more!

[Flash 10 is required to watch video.]

[Above: Syuzi and Alison meeting for the first time at Maker Faire in 2006]

After four years, Syuzi Pakhchyan and I were finally able to get together and host our own talk about girls in technology. The talk was called “Duh… Its Like Tech for Girls <3" and it was presented as a core converation at SXSW Interactive 2010. We were joined by many audience members, who were passionate about igniting that tech spark in girls, teens, and women.