The previous post described different options for skin sensation during “shaving”. The goal of the shaving process is to increase intimacy with and relaxation in the body through movement and tactile stimuli. The most promising materials were: cotton wool, soft foam, neopreen, fleece and velvet (view previous post). This post describes the outcomes of two […]
Tag Archives: research
Shaver 1. Head
This is the first of three posts researching different elements of a shaver for Damian: Shaving head Stimulation Device shape The goal of this experiment was to assess the sensations of nine different materials on the cheeks and throat and the emotions and mind states this evoked. The materials will be used as a “shaving […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Table Manners, Observations at the Table
Introduction This is the first post for a new project called: Damian’s Dressing Table. The project builds on insights gained from the Magic Tea project [1], [2]. It’s objective, therefore, is still the same: to explore how technology can promote self-transcendent experiences (STEs) during everyday activities using interactive technology. The Magic Tea project started from […]
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 […]