Hug Over a Distance
From ThesisWiki
Contents |
Authors
Florian 'Floyd' Mueller, Frank Vetere, Martin R. Gibbs, et al.
Overview
Hug Over a Distance is another project that came out of the Mediating Intimacy research. It is an inflatable vest which one person can wear and another person can send a "hug" to, causing it to slightly inflate. The researchers got a lukewarm response to the prototype they developed as a product, but found success in the way the prototype clarified the purpose of the research for participants. Although the participants were briefed on the goals before the project began they only understood that their contributions "could lead to tangible results that can affect their daily lives" once they saw the physical prototype. Also, they noted that previous participatory workshops elicited rather conventional ideas but that changed once they were shown something more unique.
Reflection
Getting 'real' with research participants ASAP will ultimately lead to better participation. I should think of ways to do this throughout the research phase as well as ways to stimulate unconventional thinking.
