Little Signals
LITTLE
SIGNALS
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A series of interaction experiments
A Design Study
Little Signals considers new patterns for technology in our daily lives. The six objects in the series keep us in the loop, but softly, moving from the background to foreground as needed.
Each object has its own communication method, like puffs of air or ambient sounds. Additionally, their simple movements and controls bring them to life and respond to changing surroundings and needs.
Finding Calm
Little Signals builds on Calm Technology.
Many everyday objects find subtle ways to inform us - from the moving hands of a clock to the whistle of a kettle. Little Signals continues that theme and explores how we might stay up-to-date with digital information while maintaining moments of calm.
MEET THE OBJECTS
AIR
blow • wiggle • spin
Air interacts with its close surroundings. Pulses of air move nearby items, like the leaves of a plant, to attract attention.
MOVEMENT
move • graph • bounce • push
Movement features seven pegs that graphically represent information - like a calendar or timer - through their height and motion. The pegs work individually or as a group, and are tapped for simple input.
RHYTHM
chime • flip
Rhythm generates ambient sounds. Qualities of the melody convey qualities of the information, like its importance, urgency, or tone. A wave over the object, or simply turning it over, mutes it.
SHADOW
breathe • shake • stretch • rotate
Shadow communicates through the movements of the shadow it casts. They show the object’s status, like gently breathing when active or stretching in response to presence.
TAP
knock • wave • point • spin
Tap makes use of surfaces to create sounds that act as notifications. A stronger tap means more pressing news.
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Little Signals