Wearing Emotions: Physical Representation and Visualization of Human Emotions Using Wearable Technologies

Abstract

This paper presents the iterative design process used in generating several prototypes and proofs of concept for wearable, technological devices which are capable of implementing emotional skins. Reactive layers have the potential to act as visualization surfaces to represent individuals' or groups' emotional configurations depending on the specific strategies which can be applied to a wide range of human activities. These emotionally-aroused, interactive skins can be used in generating cognitive processes which are relevant for social communication, knowledge dissemination and education. The research project aimed at exploring the potential use of these devices in emotion classification and methodologies for representing and enacting dynamics that are significant from cognitive, ethnographic and psychologic perspectives.