Phenomenology for Empathy
Exploring full-bodily interaction for evoking empathy
Master Thesis II
Abstract
This thesis project discusses empathy as a fundamental element of human communication, which is significant for well-functioning social relationships. It also investigates bodily movement as a means of perceiving immersive human emotions. A direct link is made between empathy and full bodily movement. Furthermore full-bodily movement and its relevance to interaction design is explored. Building on the knowledge gathered from studies in phenomenology, physiology, psychology and sociology the goal is to find an answer to the question:
”How may we evoke empathy -with the help of an interactive environment- between people in a diverse society through full-bodily movement-based interaction?” |
Under the principles of Research Through Design as main methodology, this research relies on methods that are more specific and focused. thus an array of design activities such as workshops, with different performative and phenomenological methods, are carried out and bodily movement as creative design materials is explored. The expected outcome of this thesis project are design suggestions for an interactive environment, that allows empathic connection between people.
Keywords
Empathy, movement-based interaction, phenomenology, performance, embodied interaction, kinesthetics, experiential bodily knowing, process phenomenology
Empathy, movement-based interaction, phenomenology, performance, embodied interaction, kinesthetics, experiential bodily knowing, process phenomenology
Sketches for final design proposals
Design and essay: Judit Komáromi Haque
