the essence of intimacy

prototypes

The microbit prototype is an example of what the intimacy meter could do. There are two variables included in this example, touch by two people, buttons A and B and temperature, 38°Celsius, one degree higher than the average human body temperature (37°Celsius).
When one of these factors is not reached, the microbit will show a small heart and the word ‘WRONG’ to indicate that the intimacy is not real. When both buttons are pressed, meaning two people are physically present, and when the temperature measures 38°Celsius, the display will show a big heart and the word ‘RIGHT’, meaning the intimacy is real.

Microbit Intimacy Meter

I choose the use of hands as that is the body part that is most associated with the touch sense. The idea for an intimacy device, measuring the realness of intimacy between two people. As intimacy is something that needs to involve two physically present human beings, it has two gloves and only works when both are operated.

Glove intimacy reaction

Small fabric tests

Testing the reaction with an on/off switch, made during the first weeks of the project.

Simple metal test

Imitating the interface of a hand with metal wire, made during the first weeks of the project.

Clay protoypes

Speculative design, what if you could imitate the feeling of holding someone's hand with technology?