Herzfassen: a responsive object

  • Authors:
  • Monika Hoinkis

  • Affiliations:
  • University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, Potsdam, Berlin-Brandenburg, Germany

  • Venue:
  • CHI '12 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems
  • Year:
  • 2012

Quantified Score

Hi-index 0.00

Visualization

Abstract

Herzfassen is a self-contained kinetic object that uses physical computing and biometric data to provide a highly aesthetic and sensual experience while still having the outer appearance of an ordinary everyday object. A metal bowl filled with water visualizes the human heartbeat through vibration and according patterns in the water surface. The title Herzfassen derives from the german expression for 'to take heart' thus hints to the haptic and emotional experience with the object. This paper describes aim and design of the piece, comprising construction, technical function, as well as the interaction cycle respectively the object's dramaturgy. Further, it reports on audience's joyful and emotional experiences with the object within past exhibitions as display and use hence human contact is the main purpose of Herzfassen.