Exploring Remote Communication through Design Interventions: Material and Bodily Considerations

Abstract

Communication over distance unfolds often in the form of video calls, digital messages or letters, and is frequently explored in HCI through digital, tangible and hybrid interactions. In this paper, we present five design interventions with the aim to rethink current strategies for remote communication by using and repurposing analogue, non-digital and bodily means. In an autoethnographic study, we implement and explore those interventions with our family members and friends. We present and discuss the collected insights and individual experiences from the interventions in depth to articulate reflections on communication over a distance that intend to inspire playful, material-driven, bodily ways of remote connectedness. Finally, we emphasize the value of reducing complexity to strengthen (remote) connectedness, creating bodily connections over physical distance that reduce pressure on users, and allowing participants to challenge the boundaries of not using digital means.