Damians Dressing Table

Who is Damian? The past couple of post are part of the project “Damians Dressing Table”, but who is Damian? Damian D. Doggy is the drag persona of designer and researcher Danielle Roberts, the creator of this blog. Damian was born a couple of years ago. He is a dragking and helps Danielle to explore […]

Experiment e. Embodied table lay-out design

The main goal of these experiments was to gain insights into how changes in table lay-out may increase the sense of connection between the actor, the action (putting on schmink) and the objects. Seventeen different lay-outs were tried. There is a limited amount of objects of which the use is clear. Calm may be created […]

Experiment d. Dressing the table

The main goal of these experiments was to get insights into the role of the table surface in strengthening the connection between the actor, the action (drinking tea) and the objects. Eight variations were tried. To create a sense of connection with the table and the objects the texture and colour of the cloth is […]

Experiment c. Drinking tea and playful tableware

The main goal of these experiments was to get insights into how changes in the use of tableware might increase the sense of connection between the actor, the action (drinking tea) and the objects. Eighteen different constructions were tried. The choices for the configurations were initiated by the visual appeal. Most constructions are visually pleasing […]

Experiment b. Elbows and lower arms while peeling an orange

The main goal of these experiments was to get insights into how changes to the surface of the table might increase the sense of connection between the actor, the action and the objects. Nine different materials were tested during the activity of peeling an orange. Sounds play an important role in these tests. Sharp sounds […]

Experiment a. Fingers and hands while peeling an orange

This experiment explores the effect of interventions on touch of hands and fingers on the sense of connection between the actor, the action and the objects. Without gloves [a] the direct touch of the fingertips gives a sense of direct connection. However, the clear difference between the skin and the surface of the objects creates […]

Embodied ideation at the table

Introduction This post introduces four technology-free experiments to explore embodiment using a table. From the observations described in the previous post an ideation process is started which uses estrangement or defamiliarization as its main mechanism. Estrangement is about making the familiar strange [1] by using the body, context, routines, materials or props in unfamiliar ways […]

Exploring the aspects of preparing and drinking tea

Introduction This post describes an experiment which explored how the different parts in the process of making and drinking tea can become an activity which promotes wholeness and in how far this modified activity evokes factors of enlightenment (attention, interest, energy, joy, calm and concentration). The result are translated into design criteria for the Magic […]

Exploring mind-states at home

This is the first report of the research I am doing towards creating a Wisdom Interface. The goal of this interface is to generate moments of insight during everyday activities. In order for these wisdom interventions to be effective I have to know what would be the best location to stage the interventions. For an […]