Membrane I/O: Designing Bits and Atoms for Tangible Telepresence

Abstract

This thesis proposes a strategy of designing Computer Mediated Tangible Communication (CMTC) over space and time with the consideration of philosophical concepts posed in Phenomenology. Membrane I/O (M.I/O) is created as a conceptual framework for CMTC, which focuses on creating a thin sensor/motor layer between the human body and the world of being. To solidify and interpret the philosophical studies into design concepts, four prototypes of progressive malleability are made, from chain-like mechanisms to blanket-like mechanisms, from line-shape sensing to surface-shape sensing and actuation. They will be presented with their design spaces and possible applications. The ideal model and future work of M.I/O will be discussed in the end.