Thermo-message: Exploring the potential of heat as a modality of peripheral expression

Abstract

Peripheral expressions using various modalities are considered as possible alternative ways of delivering information in our communication. In this research, we aimed to explore how the thermal expression can be used in the interpersonal communication. Based on the result of the focus group interview, we developed a pair of devices with which the users can exchange a "thermal message" each other. Experience prototyping was conducted with the devices in the real daily life context of the users. We identifed the charateristics of thermal expression, and confirmed the potential of the thermal expression in interpersonal communication.