Emotion, design and technology

Abstract

This chapter addresses the nature of emotions and the applications of emotional theories on both product design and technologies. Throughout history, emotions have been studied by many scholars in order to understand how and why it occurs in the human body. Emotional expression that is an important element of face-to-face communication has many functions that enhance personal wellbeing and support interpersonal relationships. On the other hand, emotion that is a matter of human body and consciousness is one of the most important issues that design and technology deals with. Although technology seems quite opposite of human emotions, today it can even act emotionally. Technologies with emotional intelligence can sense and learn emotional patterns. Affective computing, wearable technology and haptic technologies seem to open new avenues of emotional embodiment.