Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Eichhorn, Elisabeth
• Wettach, Reto
• Hornecker, Eva

Titel

A stroking device for spatially separated couples

Ist Teil von

• Proceedings of the 10th international conference on human computer interaction with mobile devices and services, 2008, p.303-306

Ort / Verlag

ACM

Erscheinungsjahr

2008

Link zum Volltext

Quelle

ACM Digital Library Complete

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• In this paper we present a device to support the communication of couples in long-distance relationships. While a synchronous exchange of factual information over distance is supported by telephone, e-mail and chat-systems, the transmission of nonverbal aspects of communication is still unsatisfactory. Videocalls let us see the partners' facial expression in real time. However, to experience a more intimate conversation physical closeness is needed. Stroking while holding hands is a special and emotional gesture for couples. Hence, we developed a device that enables couples to exchange the physical gesture of stroking regardless of distance and location. The device allows both sending and receiving. A user test supported our concept and provided new insights for future development.