This project explores how sensorial design can support social connection, empathy, and wellbeing through interactive wearables and thoughtfully designed public interventions.
By combining material experimentation, embodied practices, and qualitative research, the team develops soft, responsive prototypes that help people notice their bodily experiences and engage more openly with others.
The work involves collaboration between researchers at the Estonian Academy of Arts and international partners, including the BodyInTransit group, whose expertise enriches methodological exchange.
Public exhibitions, workshops, and participatory events invite people to test the prototypes, share reflections, and shape the research direction.
The project also offers meaningful involvement for MA students who wish to link their theses to sensory design.
Outcomes aim to support creative industries, wellbeing-oriented services, and future start-ups working with human-centered materials and interaction design.
Principal investigator: Kristi Kuusk
Investigators: Arife Dila Demir and Marta Konovalov
Project funding period: 2026–2027
Funding source: EKA research grant