Emotiv

EMOTIV REDEFINING CONNECTION AOIFE CUSACK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION EXPLORATION PROCESS THE SPECULATIVE CONTEXT FINAL CONCEPT

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INTRODUCTION

AS A DESIGNER I AM FASCINATED

BY PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INTIMACY BETWEEN PRODUCTS AND PEOPLE. IN PARTICULAR HOW TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION HAS ENABLED OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH DESIGNED OBJECTS TO BE ALTERED. MY MAJOR PROJECT PIECE EMOTIV IS AN EXPLORATION OF THIS RELATIONSHIP. THE EMOTIV PROJECT EXAMINES HOW DESIGN CAN BE USED TO CREATE SOCIAL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN PRODUCTS AND PEOPLE THROUGH A DAILY RITUAL.

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EXPLORATION

Paro the seal a companion robot

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SOCIAL CONNECTION

Social connection is one of our fundamental human needs, but increasingly modern society has isolated us from one another. 25% of Americans say that they have no one to confide in. Through this project I explore a possible future where objects occupy a more social role in peoples lives. Companion robots are becoming increasingly popular, these robots are created to give the illusion of social Connection to lonely people. If you feel connected to others on the inside, you reap the benefits regardless of whether that Connection is real. In my design practice I am interested in exploring social connection and designing it.

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INTERVIEWS I think most people have an emotional relationship to their smart phones and laptops.

I talk to my camera sometimes if I get annoyed at it. The camera I have is a tool that I have that is an extension of my body. And I think that this is universal to all electronic equipment like there extensions of you

If you had to befriend an object what would you choose?

A nice light/lamp. It has light, and a little warmth. I could ask it yes/no questions with binary on/off responses.

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HUMANS NEED NOT APPLY EXHIBIT

Humans need not apply was an exhibit in science gallery Dublin that really inspired me. The exhibition included an eye contact light called pinokio and an AI robot called cosmo.

The interaction with the robots in the exhibition, was really engaging and inspiring. It made me consider what role objects could have in our social habits.

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cosmo An artificailly intelligent robot

Pinokio, Adam Ben-Dror and Shanshan Zhou

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INSIGHT

WE’RE DEVELOPING ROBOTS, THEY CALL THEM SOCIABLE ROBOTS, THAT ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO BE COMPANIONS — TO THE ELDERLY, TO OUR CHILDREN, TO US. HAVE WE SO LOST CONFIDENCE THAT WE WILL BE THERE FOR EACH OTHER? WE’RE LONELY,BUT WE’RE AFRAID OF INTIMACY. AND SO FROM SOCIAL NETWORKS TO SOCIABLE ROBOTS, WE’RE DESIGNING TECHNOLOGIES THAT WILL GIVE US THE ILLUSION OF COMPANIONSHIP WITHOUT THE DEMANDS OF FRIENDSHIP. WE TURN TO TECHNOLOGY TO HELP US FEEL CONNECTED IN WAYS WE CAN COMFORTABLY CONTROL. BUT WE’RE NOT SO COMFORTABLE. WE ARE NOT SO MUCH IN CONTROL.SHERRY TURKLE PROFESSOR OF THE SOCIAL STUDIES OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.

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HUMAN ROBOT INTERACTION

Guy Hoffman

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Most interactions between humans and robots are like a chess game. It involves a command and an action. Guy Hoffman (human robot interactions researcher) created two artificial intelligences to conduct an experiment.

The first AI had a calculative brain, it was logical mechanical and what you would expect a robot to think and behave like.

The second AI had an adventurous brain it made mistakes took risks and generally behaved more like a human. Then he asked participants to perform a repetitive task working together with the robot. people loved the adventurous robot.”by the end we were friends and high fived mentally” - user in the experiment.

Whereas the calculative AI was referred to as a “lazy apprentice”. Interactions with technology must be more human. For the interactions to be interesting and enjoyable.

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SOCIAL ROBOTS

Elli.Q, A personal helper robot designed for the elderly

Robots have changed our means of production and now increasingly robots are made to perform uniquely human tasks, such as caring for the elderly and acting as personal assistants

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Robear, care robot

Jibo, social robot

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SURVEY RESPONSES How does your attachment to technology differ from the human attachments in your life?

convience part of everyday life

technology is more controlable

technology is for work and pleasure Technolgy is a financial comitment

I am Reliant on technology

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CO-CREATION

The first task in my co-creation session was to stage a conversation and get the other participants to record the non verbal communication. i.e. gestures, body language and subtle communication we often overlook.

The second activity was getting the participants to brain storm ways of communicating with each other over a long distance sreenlessly.

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sketches from co-creation workshop

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FINDINGS

During my research, I uncovered three main behaviors that make object interactions more like human interactions.

Recognition of the user allows the user to engage with the product on a more emotional level. Peoples interactions with technology are similar to a chess game. The unpredictable element lead for a more, human like interaction.

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THREE ELEMENTS OF OBJECT CONNECTION

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RECOGNIZES USER

REACTS TO INTERACTIONS

UNPREDICTABLE BEHAVIOR

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EMOTIONAL DESIGN

THROUGHOUT THIS PROJECT I HAVE DRAWN INSPIRATION FROM DON NORMAN AND THE THREE ELEMENTS OF EMOTIONAL DESIGN. THE VISCERAL, REFLECTIVE AND BEHAVIORAL. THESE THREE ELEMENTS CAN CULMINATE TO ALLOW DESIGN TO HAVE A DEEPER EXPERIENCE. THE VISCERAL ASPECTS OF THE DESIGN MUST BE APPEALING FOR THE OBJECT TO BE PLEASURABLE TO USE. THE BEHAVIORAL ELEMENTS OF THE DESIGN I.E. USE, MUST BE INTERESTING AND SATISFACTORY. THE REFLECTIVE ASPECT OF EMOTIONAL DESIGN IS IMPERATIVE TO CREATING A CRITICAL DESIGN. THE REMEMBERED EXPERIENCE CAN BE PERCEIVED AS A PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISM. THAT FACILITATES THE USER TO QUESTION THE POSSIBLE FUTURE IN WHICH THE OBJECT EXISTs in.

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VISCERAL BEHAVIORAL

REFLECTIVE

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Dead specimens by Fraiser Ross 24

TECHNOLOGY WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ROBOTICS, OBJECTS MAY SOON BE ABLE TO FEEL AND UNDERSTAND EMOTION. ELECTRONIC ARTEFACT'S HAVE UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS, THEY POSSES THE ABILITY TO LIGHT UP, MOVE AND CHANGE. THESE CHARACTERISTICS OF CHANGE AND ALTERATION MAKE THEM ALMOST LIVING OBJECTS. I SEE THIS LIFE AS AN EXPRESSION OF EMOTION. MY DESIGN PRACTICE IS FOCUSED ON QUESTIONING OUR PRECONCEPTIONS SURROUNDING THE OBJECTS IN OUR LIVES. INTERACTION DESIGN IS AN EMERGING SPACE TO CRITICALLY DESIGN WITHIN. WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY COMES NEW POSSIBILITIES TO QUESTION WHAT FUTURE DESIGN PRACTICE MIGHT BECOME.

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PROCESS

CONCEPT GENERATION DURING THE INITIAL STAGES OF THIS PROJECT I CAME UP WITH MANY CONCEPTS I ENDED UP PRODUCING A PHYSICAL OUTCOME AS I BELIEVE PHYSICAL OBJECTS CAN CATER FOR A MORE EMOTIONAL CONNECTION.

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Millie a lamp that expresses empathy

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Emotiv is an App. Connected to a wearable that monitors emotional wellbeing

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CHOSEN CONCEPT I chose to create a tea set with robotic elements that reacts to the users interactions. This tea set is specifically designed to reduce the users feelings of social isolation.

Emotiv is a collection of products that explore interactions between users and objects mediated by technology. It examines how objects in the home can be designed to give the feeling of being socially connected to the user. What is more social than having a cup of tea with someone?

But when you are on your own the feeling of social isolation can be exacerbated. My collection contains a teapot, a cup, and a robotic companion. By referencing familiar social rituals that are carried out in the home, people may find it easier to position those objects in their lives. Through the use of robotics these pieces enhance the feeling of connectivity hence reducing social isolation.

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FORM EXPLORATION

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WHY TEA?

tea and the act of tea drinking is a social ritual, with growing social isolation would the social aspect of this activity be replaced by objects?

Tea drinking is an common ritual for most people by referencing common activities it may help the user position the product within their lives.

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Physical object physiological mechanism I feel objects best communicate theoretical concepts, as the interaction and the physicality of the object can lend to a deeper meaning. The lived experience using and interacting with the design is open for Interpretation by the user.

Physicality is crucial in creating emotional objects as form, touch, feel and physical experience can lend themselves to fostering emotional relationships between the user and the object.

These objects are a stimulus, that the user psychologically perceives as objects with an awareness of the user. This awareness and recognition is important in fostering an emotional relationship between the user and the object

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PROTOTYPES

through the course of my project Physical prototyping has informed my practice, Functional rigs and aesthetic models are invaluable in the exploration of form function and meaning of objects.

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prototypes

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color changing rig

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testing a rig

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TESTING FORMS

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FORM INSPIRATION

Solid state poem by Chengtao Yi ,

GLOW TEA SET, Agustina BOTTONI

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Double Vision: Proposition, JEFFREY SCHIFF

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resin sample

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MATERIAL TESTING Light was really important in communicating the concept of my project, I began to pigment resin so it would diffuse light.

Giving the impression of colored frosted glass.

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Resin samples

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Seba tool model

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lathing the head of the companion

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A mould for polyes

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RESIN CASTING

ster resin casting

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teapot prototype

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The objects function using a micro-controller and sensors I created an object that signifies an awareness of the user. These pieces are important as they explore how technology allow us to have a deeper connection to the objects in our lives.

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ARDUINO RIGS Arduino uno is a programmable micro-controller. I used these in the creation of moving rigs.

I programmed a relay and a servo motor to give these objects the reactive characteristics that I needed for my designs.

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Robotic companion functioning rig

Electronic components inside the teapot

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testing functional rigs

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MATERIALS CERAMIC

SILICONE, FOR THE HEAT SEALED LINING

COPPER FOR THE CONDUCTIVE STRIP

PIGMENTED FROSTED GLASS FOR THE MAIN BODY OF THE TEAPOT

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THE SPECULATIVE CONTEXT

With new technology comes new possibilities for design. My practice aims to expose possible capabilities of technology and allow the user to make their own moral judgments about the application of that technology. For me design is an act, of forecasting a possible future by using current developments in technology to see how objects might live in a users home and influence a users emotional experience.

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Technological dreams series, Dunne and Raby

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PEOPLE RESPOND TO ROBOTS LIKE ANIMALS.” - KATE DARLING MIT RESEARCHER

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DESIGN SPECULATIONS ACT AS A CATALYST TO COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE RELATIONSHIP WITH REALITY DESIGN SPECULATIONS ACT AS A CATALYST TO COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE RELATIONSHIP WITH REALITY DESIGN SPECULATIONS ACT AS A CATALYST TO COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE RELATIONSHIP WITH REALITY DESIGN SPECULATIONS ACT AS A CATALYST TO COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE RELATIONSHIP WITH REALITY DESIGN SPECULATIONS ACT AS A CATALYST TO COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE RELATIONSHIP WITH REALITY DESIGN SPECULATIONS ACT AS A CATALYST TO COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE RELATIONSHIP WITH REALITY DESIGN SPECULATIONS ACT AS A CATALYST TO COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE RELATIONSHIP WITH REALITY DESIGN SPECULATIONS ACT AS A CATALYST TO COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE RELATIONSHIP WITH REALITY DESIGN SPECULATIONS ACT AS A CATALYST TO COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE RELATIONSHIP WITH REALITY DESIGN SPECULATIONS ACT AS A CATALYST TO COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE RELATIONSHIP WITH REALITY

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DESIGNDESIGN SPECULATIONS SPECULATIONS ACT ASACT A CATALYST AS A CATALYST TO TO COLLECTIVELY COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE REDEFINE OUR RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP WITH WITH REALITY REALITY DESIGNDESIGN SPECULATIONS SPECULATIONS ACT ASACT A CATALYST AS A CATALYST TO TO COLLECTIVELY COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE REDEFINE OUR RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP WITH WITH REALITY REALITY DESIGNDESIGN SPECULATIONS SPECULATIONS ACT ASACT A CATALYST AS A CATALYST TO TO COLLECTIVELY COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE REDEFINE OUR RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP WITH WITH REALITY REALITY DESIGNDESIGN SPECULATIONS SPECULATIONS ACT ASACT A CATALYST AS A CATALYST TO TO COLLECTIVELY COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE REDEFINE OUR RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP WITH WITH REALITY REALITY DESIGNDESIGN SPECULATIONS SPECULATIONS ACT ASACT A CATALYST AS A CATALYST TO TO COLLECTIVELY COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE REDEFINE OUR RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP WITH WITH REALITY REALITY DESIGNDESIGN SPECULATIONS SPECULATIONS ACT ASACT A CATALYST AS A CATALYST TO TO COLLECTIVELY COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE REDEFINE OUR RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP WITH WITH REALITY REALITY DESIGNDESIGN SPECULATIONS SPECULATIONS ACT ASACT A CATALYST AS A CATALYST TO TO COLLECTIVELY COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE REDEFINE OUR RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP WITH WITH REALITY REALITY

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DESIGNDESIGN SPECULATIONS SPECULATIONS ACT ASACT A CATALYST AS A CATALYST TO TO COLLECTIVELY COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE REDEFINE OUR RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP WITH WITH REALITY REALITY DESIGNDESIGN SPECULATIONS SPECULATIONS ACT ASACT A CATALYST AS A CATALYST TO TO COLLECTIVELY COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE REDEFINE OUR RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP WITH WITH REALITY REALITY DESIGNDESIGN SPECULATIONS SPECULATIONS ACT ASACT A CATALYST AS A CATALYST TO TO COLLECTIVELY COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE REDEFINE OUR RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP WITH WITH REALITY REALITY DESIGNDESIGN SPECULATIONS SPECULATIONS ACT ASACT A CATALYST AS A CATALYST TO TO COLLECTIVELY COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE REDEFINE OUR RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP WITH WITH REALITY REALITY DESIGNDESIGN SPECULATIONS SPECULATIONS ACT ASACT A CATALYST AS A CATALYST TO TO COLLECTIVELY COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE REDEFINE OUR RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP WITH WITH REALITY REALITY DESIGNDESIGN SPECULATIONS SPECULATIONS ACT ASACT A CATALYST AS A CATALYST TO TO COLLECTIVELY COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE REDEFINE OUR RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP WITH WITH REALITY REALITY DESIGNDESIGN SPECULATIONS SPECULATIONS ACT ASACT A CATALYST AS A CATALYST TO TO COLLECTIVELY COLLECTIVELY REDEFINE REDEFINE OUR RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP WITH WITH REALITY REALITY

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A TAXONOMY OF FUTURES

Possible Plausable probable now

Preferable

A TAXONOMY OF FUTURES - DUNNE AND RABY

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Speculative design involves designing for fictional future scenarios,These fictional future scenarios can be mapped on the taxonomy of futures between the possible and the plausible.

Speculative design is usually critical and rarely deals with preferable futures. It is often seen in an exhibition setting and is rarely mass produced. The purpose of speculative design is to create a dialogue surrounding a possible future scenario, rather than a useful product for the future. Speculative design is a new term to describe an old idea. What may previously have been considered functional sculpture or science fiction could now be categorized as speculative design.

For this project my design lives in a near plausible future scenario, where people rely on objects for social connection that is controllable, reliable and consistent than real human connection

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FINAL CONCEPT

Emotiv is a collection of products that explore interactions between users and objects mediated by technology. It examines how objects in the home can be designed to give the feeling of being socially connected to the user. What is more social than having a cup of tea with someone? But when you are on your own the feeling of social isolation can be exacerbated. My collection contains a teapot, a cup, and a robotic companion. By referencing familiar social rituals that are carried out in the home, people may find it easier to position those objects in their lives. Through the use of robotics these pieces enhance the feeling of connectivity hence reducing social isolation.

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OBJECT INTERACTION

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PHOTOGRAPHING FINAL MODELS

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Thank you Aoifecusackdesign.com

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