Exploring Experiential Qualities of Relaxation in ASMR through Soma Design

Sammanfattning: Media designed to elicit Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) has been used for years for relaxation and improved sleep. Recent research has shown that experiencing ASMR lowers markers for stress, and can induce a relaxed mood. In this thesis, the use of ASMR in a somaesthetic design process was used to define experiential qualities of relaxation. Somaesthetic sensitivity training, ASMR exploration, a material exploration, and a workshop produced several themes relevant to relaxation. Out of these, the themes with the most promise for this project were selected and further examined through the formation of the artifact The Rice Walker, a walking-based artifact for ASMR-inspired relaxation. Using a thematic analysis, the foundations for three experiential qualities of relaxation were identified: Allowing for Anticipation, Softness, Gentleness, and Gradual Transitions, and Control Without Demands. These qualities can be used to expand the soma design space, or could be used in the development of relaxing human-computer interactions.