Imagine cellphones that whisper into your ear, ooze palm sweat, and grip your fingers to convey intimacy, even peck you on the cheek. Gross? Invasive? More like innovative, according to Fabian Hemmert during a recent TEDxBerlin convention where he unveiled three phone prototypes.
According to Hemmert, the driving force behind his concepts is restoring a physical link between callers. In an age where everyone can get in touch with anyone, what seems to be missing is the actual physicality of contact. That is, the “touch” when “getting in touch.”
Innovative Prototypes for Emotional Connectivity
To realize his dream of emotional/physical connectivity, Hemmert introduced three prototypes that each have a unique feature, like grasping, kissing, and whispering. The first utilized a hand strap that tightened, which seems to be quite odd. This prototype aims to simulate the feeling of holding hands, providing a sense of closeness and reassurance. Imagine being able to feel a comforting squeeze from a loved one even when they are miles away. This could be particularly beneficial for long-distance relationships or for parents wanting to comfort their children.
Weirder is the whispering phone, which gently blows air on your neck and ears. This prototype is designed to mimic the sensation of someone whispering sweet nothings into your ear. While it may sound unsettling to some, it could offer a new dimension of intimacy for users. Imagine receiving a whispered “I love you” from your partner during a stressful day at work. The emotional impact of such a feature could be profound, offering a sense of closeness and emotional support.
Worse is the kisser—a damp sponge pecks you on the cheek. This prototype aims to replicate the sensation of a kiss, providing a tactile experience that goes beyond mere words. While the idea of a damp sponge touching your face might seem off-putting, it could offer a unique way to convey affection. Imagine receiving a goodnight kiss from your partner even when they are not physically present. This could add a new layer of emotional depth to digital communication.
The Science and Sensibility Behind the Prototypes
Is Mr. Hemmert aware of how many germs are inhabiting cellphones these days? This question raises valid concerns about hygiene and practicality. However, Hemmert’s focus is on the emotional and psychological benefits of these prototypes. The idea is to bridge the gap between digital and physical interactions, making technology more human and emotionally resonant.
This isn’t the first time the design researcher has worked on physical sensations and technology, having experimented with weight-shifting features on a previous concept. In fact, it seems to be Hemmert’s mission in life to make phones lovable. His earlier work involved a phone that could change its weight distribution to convey different types of information. For example, a heavier phone could indicate an important message, while a lighter one could signify a casual text. This approach aims to make digital communication more intuitive and emotionally engaging.
Though we admit grasping is fine, kisses and whispers are just gross. However, it’s essential to consider the broader implications of Hemmert’s work. As technology continues to evolve, the line between digital and physical experiences will likely blur even further. Hemmert’s prototypes offer a glimpse into a future where technology can provide not just information but also emotional and tactile experiences.
In conclusion, Fabian Hemmert’s innovative phone prototypes challenge our conventional understanding of digital communication. By introducing elements of physicality and emotional connectivity, he aims to make technology more human and emotionally resonant. While some of his ideas may seem unconventional or even unsettling, they open up new possibilities for how we interact with our devices and, by extension, with each other.
Via Dvice
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