The chapter presents research on the relationship between the human body and the space implemented by data and digital interfaces. In this relationship, technology plays a mediating role. The research introduces the concept of a digital threshold to an interactive space that has the capacity to preserve the cognitive well-being of users and invite interaction. To do this, some characteristics are identified that can be used in the design with the aim of relating the body to the devices in the space. Pressure stimuli, rhythm, and body symmetry are the components of a natural language capable of activating a natural motorial reaction mechanism. The details of the experimentation carried out and the processing of the data collected through data visualisation are provided to support the argument.
"The research focuses on the relationship between human body and space when mediated by enabling technologies. In the context of wearable devices and prosthetic objects, innovation is linked to integration between body, objects and the data.
To identify an effective communication process between man and space, two insights were developed: pressure haptic and rhythm.
Haptic pressure is a communicative vehicle to keep attention on main tasks. Rhythm can create a natural dialogue between body and space through the mechanisms of rhythmic entrainment, rhythmic imitation, synchrony.
The foot, due to its functional and perceptual characteristics, was chosen as the platform for experimentation. Two prototypes were constructed and tested. The qualitative and quantitative data collected are analysed and discussed in relation to the research objectives.
The intervention presented here is called footactil rhythm and seems to have a high application potential in several areas."
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