I spend a bit of time musing over technology and its role within communication. We're in an intermediary phase at the moment where signals and embedded tech aren't ubiquitous and we haven't worked out the best way of designing communication technology interactions yet.
We're extremely sociable creatures. Every physical communication we do is littered with subtle nuances and signs as to what we're thinking and saying. Technology really hasn't done much to help this. It has reduced almost every type of communication to tapping out little messages on some kind of keypad. We have a little way to go obviously, as this method really doesn't deliver much satisfaction.
I saw this concept device (above) recently and it really intrigued me. While it's not changing the world it is quite physically playful in relation to how we send messages.
It basically sends an update to all your message platforms - IM, Facebook, mobile phone, email etc. You set (online) whatever messages you choose (for each face) and then turn it over to display one at any given time. So for example you could set; I'm driving, in a meeting, punishing the maid, whatever. Just... for fun and of course, easy communication.
I'd like to see a lot more devices that play with physical gestures to communicate messages. They're coming. Nintendo (if no one else) has seen to that.
Via Greener Grass
Punishing the maid... god I love doing that...
Posted by: Angus | 30 April 2008 at 10:39