Altering our perception of smartphones through noise: Introducing the affection research lab

Abstract

This paper introduces the Affection Research Lab (ARL), a project that leverages pre-existing animistic tendencies to create a new layer of understanding and meaning of smartphones. Utilizing Animistic Design Principles, [10] the ARL introduces the development of new modes of device affection through the concept of the post-mythical object; within the context of a landscape saturated with task-oriented utilitarian digital objects. ARL solicits device-affection by listening to their intrinsic nature of electromagnetism as a source of raw data, and transforms this raw data through the lenses of noise and sound. ARL provokes a paradigm shift in the development of digital objects and seeks to deduce meaning out of the overwhelming and seemingly meaninglessness of noise. Furthermore, this paper discusses the state of the human condition as a result of our cultural developments [1] and expresses the strides one must take in order to create deeper connections with our digital objects and the mythical possibilities we can have with them. The paper will discuss two core projects that define the ARL: The Signal Archive and the Affection Stations, breaking down their different conceptual approaches, and the animistic results from participant feedback; providing evidence of pre-existing tendencies and enabling those tendencies to transform into a new level of perception. The ARL seeks to enable new stories and myths to be created with digital objects. In doing so we advocate for the approach of mythical-centered design where the focus of designers and engineers is in the creation of rich and meaningful experiences with digital objects which allow us to reflect, collaborate, and participate; within an ever increasing context of ubiquitous data and the digital objects which mediate our understanding and experiences within it.