Emotion Sensitive Active Surfaces

In this work we introduce a new user interface design that maps sensed emotions to an abstract device. This abstract display allows the exploring of emotional expressions avoiding anthropomorphisms caused by human or animal like designs. The presented interface senses emotions by facial video analysis. The device is implemented as an actuated surface that expresses emotions by changing its physical attributes. This change is triggered by sensed emotions via a behavioral mapping. The surface design, including texture, form of expression and dynamics, is a result of an iterative design process involving interdisciplinary participants. Finally, results of informal evaluations of the device during audience exhibits are presented.