Autonomous machines are nosy: they collect lots of data from their environment without sharing what and why. Our hypothesis is that if we constantly share the status and intent of the system, we can build a shared understanding and trust that enables coexistence, interaction and collaboration. This need to display was transformed into a mental model of a membrane or skin, triggering the idea to use motion as a medium to communicate in an intuitive way. Why? Motion stimuli directly appeals to our lizard brain: motion information is processed – without the detour of reasoning – even in the periphery of our field of vision. We created different motion patterns and explored the wealth of expressions and their semantic connotations. We are convinced that motion as a means to communicate status and intent of autonomous systems can contribute to a more enjoyable interaction with them. If we like technology we are also inclined to be patient with it: we develop empathy, in turn strengthening a positive feedback loop.
Project Credits:
- Studio 7.5, Berlin, in cooperation with Daimler AG
Biography:
Studio 7.5 is an international design team based in Berlin, Germany. Studio 7.5‘s design work covers a range of media – from product design to communication design.
