Sensory Data Dialogues: A Somaesthetic Exploration of Bordeaux through Five Senses
This workshop is part of the ACM Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interactions (TEI) 2025 program.
4th March 2025, 9 am - 5 pm
About the Studio
The design of interactive systems and digital artefacts often makes use of digital or analog sensory data as a way to “capture” human senses and sensory experiences. Yet, designing for and with sensory data is complex because of our unique, embodied ways of making sense of our somatosensory experiences. This studio explores how sensory experiences shape our perception of the world and how live data can depict or reflect these experiences.
Designed for HCI practitioners, designers, artists, and researchers, this workshop investigates how technology and embodied practices can redefine our understanding of sensory data. Building upon the extensive body of research around soma design and somatic and sensory practices, we invite participants on a guided walk and series of sensory explorations in Bordeaux to contemplate the interplay between first-person somatosensory experiences and streams of site-specific data from various sensors.
By walking and noticing together, we will engage in a process of creative reflection on our felt experiences, connection to our surroundings, and our stance within or outside the design community. The Studio will be grounded in activities such as journaling sensory experiences (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch). We will also make use of digital and analog sensors to record site-specific data, e.g. to measure bodily and environmental phenomena such as heart rate and air quality, alongside actuators like vibration and light devices. We will also employ qualitative somaesthetic methods such as body mapping and written reflections, participants will capture and reflect on sensory data across sight, touch, taste, sound, and smell. Each participant will be provided with materials (sensor kits, reflection prompts, blank body maps, etc.) for creating a personal Sensory Portfolio, which will serve as a guide and document each activity throughout the day.
Together, we’ll uncover how these experiences shape meaning-making and ecological awareness and participants will leave with a personalized Sensory Portfolio, actionable methods, and fresh perspectives to integrate into their work!
Call for Participation
Join us in this full-day, hands-on studio in Bordeaux, where sensory data merges with creative embodied design methods to explore and document sensory experiences.
Who is this studio for?
We welcome participants from our interdisciplinary TEI community with an interest in sensory perception, multisensory interactions, sensors as design material, soma design, intimate data, first-person methods, documentation of felt experiences, and/or more-than-human entanglements. Everyone is welcome to attend the Studio, and no prior experience with soma design or sensors is necessary.
How to apply?
We do not require participants to submit position statements. Participants are asked to register their interest through the short questionnaire below along with registering for the workshop during TEI registration. The studio has space for a maximum of 20 participants, and spaces will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Applications are due by 18th February 2025.
Please note: All Studio participants must be registered for the TEI 2025 conference and pay the Studio registration fee. After you have registered your interest, we will get in touch with details of how to register for the Studio via the TEI 2025 registration system. Please do not register for the conference until you have heard from us!
Questions
Any questions, please feel free to email karen.cochrane@uwaterloo.ca!