FocusTower

Peripheral interaction proposes very low intrusive methods of interaction. In combination with the global COVID-19 pandemic, where most non-essentials jobs are forced to work at home, a design study has been set up to investigate if a shape-changing artefact can stimulate a desk worker to spend his time effectively, without the use of external feedback. The study consists of the design process of the artefact, the deployment of the artefact and the results of the deployment. The results show a mixed response, suggesting that the artefact obtains unique results for every individual. Where the participants respond with enthusiasm, the subtle and small movements are praised, but at the same time, the slow rotations and step-by-step movement seems to hide the readability of the artefact in a glance. The experience with peripheral interaction was perceived as pleasant but the opinions about external feedback are divided. Sound gets generally rejected, the use of light as an extra layer of information did appeal by some of the participants.