Haptic Rhythmics for Mediation Design Between Body and Space

Abstract

The research focuses on the relationship between human body and space when mediated by enabling technologies. In the context of wearable devices and prosthetic objects, innovation is linked to integration between body, objects and the data.

To identify an effective communication process between man and space, two insights were developed: pressure haptic and rhythm.

Haptic pressure is a communicative vehicle to keep attention on main tasks. Rhythm can create a natural dialogue between body and space through the mechanisms of rhythmic entrainment, rhythmic imitation, synchrony.

The foot, due to its functional and perceptual characteristics, was chosen as the platform for experimentation. Two prototypes were constructed and tested. The qualitative and quantitative data collected are analysed and discussed in relation to the research objectives.

The intervention presented here is called footactil rhythm and seems to have a high application potential in several areas.