Touch & Reaction – An experiment in reaction to texture
Touch and Reaction was a brief experiment investigating the unique gestural reactions to the sensation of touch. Different textures were placed into a specially constructed box which prevented the participants from being able to see the textures before touching them, which would otherwise create bias, losing the charming initial reactions.
The mystery box was constructed with a bright illuminated faceplate, contracting the pupils, making it impossible to see inside the box. Inside the box was an infrared camera accompanied by an infrared spotlight. Participants were not aware that they were being recorded.
Participants were told the project dealt with the connection between touch and language, and were asked to describe the textures. The resulting collection of captured reactions were compiled along with one-word descriptors the participants gave during the experiment. Interestingly, there are distinguishable gestures and descriptions common amongst participants for each of the three textures.
Shown in the CMU Information Visualization Exhibition, May 2007. Video was shown on a few small screens in addition to a small screen showing a live feed of the mystery box with texture.