2017

2 weeks

4 people

Objectoception (neologism): the perception of oneself in space through the perspective of objects.

This project applies the philosophical concepts of phenomenology and object-oriented ontology to experimental design processes. Phenomenology is the study of the subjective experience of the world (seeing things as humans). Object-oriented ontology is the idea of a world where humans and objects are equal.

Our most advanced experiment aims to test whether by removing direct vision, but with physical feedback, participants can experience a dissociative effect while performing a functional task. The participant wears a headset showing three different third-person perspectives of themselves in a defined space and is asked to collect parts necessary to assemble a fake lamp. Each time a part is placed correctly with the right orientation, a spotlight turns on.

The outcome of this experimental process was to propose the concept of TNT, the Tangible Network of Things. In a world where technological processes are increasingly automated, humans are frustrated and anxious about losing control. But what if it was about giving up our insatiable desire for control and moving towards a dialogue with objects? The next generation of the Internet of Things is a tangible framework which facilitates meaningful discussions between humans and technology.

© Pierre Azalbert 2020