KALINA PANOVA
Students use various media for support, expressing satisfaction with the ability to stay connected, yet they still prefer face to face interactions for deeper emotional connection
TOPICS:
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physical vs digital communication
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the efficient paradox
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more meaningful human connection
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dark UX
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digital emotions
FINAL TOPIC:
Augmenting proactive human connection in a hyper-virtual world
METHODOLOGIES AND AIMS:
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research based approach
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physical artefact + digital outcome
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functional product design instead of an artistic piece
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Let’s identify the Topic and Problem
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Topic research and insights
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Established trends of instantaneity in online communication
Solving the crisis of immediacy: How digital technology can transform the customer experience
Parise, S., Guinan, P.J. and Kafka, R., 2016
Business Horizons, 59(4), pp.411-420
Need to strengthen interpersonal bonds in a progressively online environment
Loneliness and social internet use: pathways to reconnection in a digital world
Nowland, R., Necka, E.A. and Cacioppo, J.T., 2018
Perspectives on Psychological Science, 13(1), pp.70-87
Significance of tangible interaction and closeness in expressing feelings and support over spans
The making of meaning through dyadic haptic affective touch
Price, S., Bianchi-Berthouze, N., Jewitt, C., et. al. 2022
ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction
Negative impact of superficial digital communication
Emotional contagion: Research on the influencing factors of social media users' negative emotional communication during the COVID-19 pandemic
Lu, D. and Hong, D., 2022.
Frontiers in psychology, 13,
Desire for authentic interpersonal relationships in this era of digital communication
Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age
Song, F.W., 2021
InterVarsity Press
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Objectives
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User Persona and Interaction Storyboard
Yiqian Zhang
“ Even though I really want to catch up with my friends back home, sometimes I pick up my phone but end up not sending any messages. I wish we could just send each other something like a satellite signal so we know that we’re doing alright on our side without feeling the mental pressure for a proper chat.”
Demographics
Age
Nationality
Occupation
Location
Time abroad
She/her
China
International student
Royal College of Art
2nd year
Connections
TikTok
Other
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Frustrations
Long building up process and not enough energy for a real catch up. Connection frictions caused by distance and time
Goals
Better connection with friends back home
Creative ways to share experience with friends
Distributed effort for a long lasting connection
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Topic research and insights
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Solving the crisis of immediacy: How digital technology can transform the customer
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Solving the crisis of immediacy: How digital technology can transform the customer
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Solving the crisis of immediacy: How digital technology can transform the customer
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Solving the crisis of immediacy: How digital technology can transform the customer
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Solving the crisis of immediacy: How digital technology can transform the customer experience
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Solving the crisis of immediacy: How digital technology can transform the customer experience
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Solving the crisis of immediacy: How digital technology can transform the customer experience
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The Ambient Emotional Resonance Device is a novel desk-to-desk artefact designed to deepen emotional connections between long distance friends through music, by translating emotional responses into tactile communication
The device captures and communicates the emotional nuances of music listening in real-time, allowing users to feel each other's reaction through touch, even during passive listening sessions ( providing an alternative to heavy information-based communications)
music is one of the most powerful concepts in the world:perfectly human. As a shared experience it elevates the bond between psyches on a level we cannot even understand
Ambient EMOTIONAL RESONANCE SYSTEm for shared music experience
Continuous ambient Feedback
The device emits gentle vibrations, warmth, or movements across its surface or an attached object, mirroring the emotional intensity of the music and the friend's reactions , suitable for passive engagement
Automatic Syncing with music services
Seamlessly connects to music streaming services, enabling synchronised listening and emotional exchange sessions with minimal setup
Passive and subtle interactions
Designed for passive interaction, the device allows users to experience shared emotions and music with minimal effort, enhancing the work or leisure environment
KEy FEatures
Enhanced emotional connection
Provides a unique way to experience music and shared emotions beyond traditional auditory and visual channels, deepening the sense of connection through the sense of touch
Ambient and passive interaction
Designed to fit naturally into a user's environment and routine, offering a continuous, background emotional connection without requiring active engagement, ideal for multitasking or relaxation
Personalised sensory experience
Offers customisable tactile and sensory feedback, allowing users to tailor their experience to their emotional and physical preferences, enhancing personal comfort and connection
Justifications for the Physical Device:
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Design Concept
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Wireframes
Add a Title
METHODOLOGIES AND AIMS:
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We chose clay for lo-fi prototyping due to its tangible and malleable characteristics
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Hands-on manipulation of clay helped us quickly refine the design
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We use our own hands and wrists to figure out an ergonomic shape
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This tactile approach foster a deeper understanding of user interaction
Overall we created a set of 5 objects:
an infrared camera device, 2 compatible wrist pads and 2 sculptural objects (Orb and Handle) that are just aesthetically pleasing and nice to touch so they would complement the user’s desk in a sophisticated way.
We conducted various ergonomic and grip tests to see how the devices would fit around. After making adjustments to the clay models, we scanned them using the Scaniverse app and exported the files for further stages of 3D modelling.
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Wrist pads
2. Handle and Orb
3. Infra-red camera device
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Wrist pads
2. Handle and Orb
3. Infra-red camera device
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Wrist pads
3. Infra-red camera device
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Final Outcome
Check out my other work
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VR x AI
A collaborative project that aims to look at the intersection of VR and AI.
Sillicone body
An Experience Design installation as part of my Degree work at RCA Information Experience Design.
Let’s Connect
I'm always open to new opportunities, collaborations, or just a friendly chat. Whether you have a project in mind or simply want to say hello, feel free to reach out via email or through the form below. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!
kalinapanova21@gmail.com
+359895271594
E26PF London