Publications/Presentations
Project Description
We designed a tangible interface utilizing touch sensors embedded in a soft stuffed toy. Our toys create feedback provided by a series of LEDs, vibrators and buzzers. The way the child hugs or pets her soft toy creates patterned vibrations or lights that calm them. All the electronic circuitry has been created using alternative conductive materials to be safe from natural touch gestures. Our prototype design focused on two friendly objects: cloud pillow and cat pillow (See Figure1 a). Both pillows using soft fabrics and soft circuits invited gentle touches from children and the parents. Also friendly pillow shapes and facial expression evoked emotional connection with the soft toys and the family.
The cloud pillow has a touch sensor around the edge of the pillow that measures qualities of touch (hugging, caressing, petting) and LEDs that visualize intensities of touch. The cat pillow creates vibrations and play songs when it is gently touched. They have been presented to children with autism and the families at a local autism awareness event. It was observed that some children started talking to the cat, hugged and petted it. In addition, a few kids wanted to take it home with them. They related the vibrations from the cat as ‘purring of cat’. They also sang along with the rhyme. Both pillows using soft fabrics and soft circuits invited gentle touches from children and the parents. Also friendly pillow shapes and facial expression evoked emotional connection with the soft toys and the family.