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 […]
Tag Archives: experiment
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 […]
Self-transcendence and technology pilot workshop
Self-transcendence toolkit The Transformative Interface Framework (TIF) is a tool for designing self-transcendent experiences (STEs) (fig. 1). It aims to support designers in creating interventions that invite STEs during everyday activities using (tangible) interactive technologies. The framework includes questions to guide thinking and decision making. To make the framework more accessible for students without a […]
Slow breathing through entrainment
Magic Tea is an interactive installation aimed to invite transformative experiences during the everyday act of preparing and drinking tea (fig. 1). The first design included several instances of entrainment to promote slow breathing. From previous user tests, it became clear that many participants didn’t notice the entraining stimuli or that the stimuli themselves were […]
Magic Tea design iterations
During the previous experiment with both the interactive and analogue installation users reported obstacles which took them out of the experience and hindered a fluid interaction with the objects. Some of them were technology-related others might be solved at the analogue level. These were Fear of spilling (water, tea), solution: using a genuine teapot with […]
Tasting tea
Introduction This experiment aims to clarify which tea is the most appropriate for use during the Magic Tea ceremony. Earlier research by the author has resulted in the following the design criteria for the tea to be used: as natural and unprocessed as possible, aesthetically pleasing, evoke curiosity, may be unfamiliar. In collaboration with a […]
Putting it to the test
Last week was very exciting. I put my system to the test during group experiments. I did 10 sessions in total at three different locations and gathered data from 23 different participants. People could register for beginner or advanced sessions with consisted of 20 or 60 minutes of meditation respectively. New for me was working […]
Visualising converstation
During the Dutch Design Week Awareness Lab conducted an experiment which consisted of a virtual tour through the future Meditation Lab. Visitors viewed a slide show and got an explanation of what it will entail to use Meditation Lab Experimenter Kit (MLEK). After the tour we asked them open-ended questions like: Can you imagine using […]
Single person experiments with light
A romantic dinner by candle light, bright lights in an office building. Both give us a very different experience. We all know from experience how light can influence our mood and the way we perceive a space. What I want to find out with Meditation Lab is if light conditions can also influence the quality […]