The Dermatext bracelets explore the use of mechanoreception (the sense of touch) as a medium for communication. Using a prototype and a few icon–based symbols, tests were performed as a method for observing the ability to comprehend simple messages through sequential vibrations on the wrist.
The Dermatext is functionally dependent on mind-mapping or the ability to create recallable meaning by experiencing the world through mind and body.
1 This “muscle-memory” allows the user to see the sequence of vibrations spacially in the mind’s eye producing “characters.” As these characters are strung together, they form meaning.
Participants were tested on their ability to decifer messages from a series of vibrations.
Paticipants were tested on their ability to decifer messages from a series of vibrations. A mock symbolic language was used to guide participants as they were constrained from using vision.
Similar projects, such as the Comtouch
2 and Toolpath
3 projects by MIT have been used to improve communication for the vision-impaired or to guide users in performing manual tasks more effectively.
3 Unlike these and most contemporary communication devices, Dermatext is less focused on efficiency and clarity. Instead, it provides insights to passive, nuanced and potentially subconscious communication. An ideal scenario would network only two bracelets to allow two individuals a form of communication that is detached from all other forms. It is intriguing to imagine how a couple might generate a Dermatext language unique to themselves.
The insights gained from this experiment, along with other similar research projects, provide a vision for modes of communication that emphasize the body and somatic sense
4 as a supplement or alternative to visual and audible communication.
This is one of three worksheets that were used to help participants learn to associate vibrations with words.
Three excercises were performed using these worksheets.
One of multiple participants waits to begin the exercise.
Participants were tested behind the sheet to supress visual stimuli.
