Being Meaningful: Weaving Soma-Reflective Technological Mediations into the Fabric of Daily Life

Abstract

A one-size-fits-all design mentality, rooted in objective efficiency, is ubiquitous in our mass-production society. This can negate peoples’ experiences, bodies, and narratives. Ongoing HCI research proposes design for meaningful relations; but for many researchers, the practical implementation of these philosophies remains somewhat intangible. In this Studio, we playfully tackle this space by engaging with the nuances of soft, flexible, and organic materials, collectively designing probes to embrace plurality, embody meaning, and encourage soma-reflection. Focusing on materiality and practices from e-textiles, soft robotics, and biomaterials research, we address technology’s role as a mediator of our experiences and determiner of our realities. The processes and probes developed in this Studio will serve as an experiential manifesto, providing practitioners with tools to deepen their own practices for designing soma-reflective tangible and embodied interaction. The Studio will form the first steps for ongoing collaboration, focusing on bespoke design and curation of meaningful, personal relationships.