Case study
Digital Embodiment
A wearable sensing band and a homing beacon of rotating cubes that turn a distant loved one's motion into a living heart-rate line.
- Interaction Design
- Industrial Design
- Concept Art
Digital Embodiment Is an interactive project designed to bridge the emotional gap caused by long-distance relationships by simulating the physical presence of a person away from home. The system consists of two key components: a sensing band and a homing beacon. The sensing band is worn by the person who is away from home and detects their motion data across the X, Y, and Z axes. This data is transmitted over the internet to the homing beacon, which is placed in the home of their loved ones. The homing beacon features three rotating cubes that respond to the received motion data. Positioned in front of these cubes is a horizontal line inspired by a heart rate monitor. When motion is detected, the cubes rotate, causing the line to break — symbolizing movement and presence. Conversely, when no motion is detected, the cubes align, forming an unbroken line that represents stillness and the absence of activity, evoking the visual metaphor of a flatline.
More work
Huggables
Interconnected body pillows that sense a partner's pulse and recreate heartbeat, breathing, warmth and scent across a long distance.
Digital Embodiment Thesis Promo
An Instagram carousel introducing my MassArt thesis, Digital Embodiment, and its Feelio prototype for long-distance couples.
Huggables Sensing Prototype, MIT
My MIT Sensor Technologies final project: a Circuit Playground rig that senses heart rate, breathing and temperature for Huggables.