The value of contact during the work day was evaluated in a  field deployment with a duo of friends. Participants used the device which displayed the presence of the other to to invite contact (e.g. text or phone call). In a diary they recorded how often they established contact and how the remote presence affected their mood and motivation



The follow-up test consisted of a storyboard-based interview where alternative ways to use the button (e.g. sharing accomplishments/ expressing frustrations) were discussed in depth. 

Meaningful design recommendations for remote presence were established based on the results.

User & Society

The project is primarily  about understanding the experiences of people working from home and how design can consider their struggles to communicate and facilitate new healthy behavior. It considers a minimal cognitive load, and the effect it has on motivation behaviour.

The project involved the building and programming of an electronic device that allows for two-way communication using sensors, a button, and actuators. The device was deployed to users and had to be safe and continuously working across a large distance over a period of a week. 

Technology & Realization and Math data & Computing