Conceptual Research

As I was given the task of being the conceptual researcher, I wanted to delve deeper into the meaning of positive touches and what benefits they have on society. I also explored other interactive wearable projects that incorporated friendly touches as a main form of interaction.

Below are some links used for the project:

Richard Heslin (physchologist who studies the meaning of touch and nonverbal behaviors):
The Meanings of Touch:

Heslin Pleasantness Rating

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1460-2466.1975.tb00610.x/abstract

Closer Project by Alison Lewis (wearable that involves friendly touch interactions to bring the distant society closer):
http://a.parsons.edu/~lewisa/thesis/archives/cat_research.html
http://www.we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/2004/07/wearables-for-a-distant-societ.php
http://www.we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/2004/07/wearables-for-a-distant-societ.php
Blog:
http://blog.alisonlewis.com/?p=483
Interview:
http://we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/2006/12/interview-with-4.php
Thesis Paper (Parsons School of Design):
http://a.parsons.edu/~lewisa/thesis/Writings/Alison_Thesis_vrs7.pdf

Memory Clothing (Different wearable projects that explore wearables recording touch interactions. These dresses explores touching in a "fun and play" manner):
http://www.xslabs.net/papers/cc05-berzowska.pdf

Impact of Positive Touches:

The Science of Touch (demonstrates meaning and implications that positive touching have on our well-being):
http://psychologyofwellbeing.com/201011/the-science-of-touch.html


Touch & Trust (Interesting Facts):
http://positivepsychologynews.com/news/kathryn-britton/2011011715181


After researching, we decided on the name of the project called Bloom. Yeieun came up with the name, and it  metaphorically represented a blooming flower, which also mean blooming relationships. We found out that positive touches can lead to a positive impact in making connections and bonding with other individuals. Therefore, helping to build meaningful relationships.