Sedentary Lifestyle: Sensory Response

Following the opportunity to explore affective and sensory dimension of digital health during closed feedback sessions with a sporting community group, the proposal is an exhibition of the development. This enables the public and wider community group to reconsider the ways that risks of sedentary lifestyle is being tackled from perspective of materials and design. Visitors will explore the ways that we can/do/could interpret health data from wearable devices using alternative sensory output as generated by the initial workshops and iterative design sessions. The intention of the proposed event is to generate feedback from visitors as to how they might like to feel, hear, interact, play and use their physical activity data in ways that would be more meaningful. Visitors would be try out novel sensor systems and invited to contribute to a bank of alternative data physicalisation feedback systems, whilst learning about ways that design, new materials and emerging technologies are being used to monitor and improve health.

A novel textile sensor system means visitors can explore how their own data can be manifest in novel sensory formats creating a live exhibition. Current work in progress intends this installation will take the format of a 'sophisticated Twister' mat using pressure sensors to collect user impact.

Futurescan 4: Valuing Practice Exhibit

University of Bolton

23-24 January 2019

Photographs by Tony Radcliffe and Di Downs.