Can we use technology-driven design to create emotionally meaningful products? This project researches this question and concludes that the reasons why we assign value to an object are mainly because of the implicit sentimentality derived from the object, which reminds us of people we love.
A way to approach this idea is through data physicalisation, to translate the abstract concept of our inner selves into tangible tactile pieces to provide objects based purely on identity. For this matter, personality trait quantifications are an accurate and objective psychological type of data, easily manageable by computational systems and accessible enough to make the users partakers in the data collection process.
'AFINES (kindred)' uses seven personality traits to materialise people’s identities into organic sculptures through a digital algorithm, resulting in a series of objects with a common essence, but which are unique for each participant. By creating these objects, 'AFINES' can open dialogues about our identities and our interconnections, and present several new ways in which we can enhance meaning and engagement with the objects that surround us.
A girl reading the personality traits translated into the sculpture
The packaging of the product, providing protection, a tool to exhibit it and a container for the graphical documentation
Two people talking about their traits and their respective personalities through comparison and using new languages and medias
Someone using their sculpture for reflection, introspection, or just to be absentmindedly in its company
A closeup of one of the owner's holding one of the pieces very delicately
Another of the users, but in this case playing with the factor of light and transparency
Another interaction with the thing; an extension of the physical tactile experience of it
Research
Conceptualising from the research insights with peers through well organised and presented ideas
Development of the modeling algorithm connecting data and forms, through constant testing of both
Sculptural and aesthetic evaluation of different prototypes with different colours, shapes, transparencies and textures