Vibrotactile Stimulation for Wellbeing, Communication, and Creativity

This whitepaper describes potential applications and future research directions for Haplós, a low-cost body awareness tool that applies programmable, vibrotactile patterns to the skin using small, vibrating motors. Haplós inspired by research and design in clothing and human-computer interaction, in which clothing and wearable artifacts generate novel, embodied, somatic experiences. Haplós was invented with the aim not of replacing or augmenting the human senses, but of enhancing our existing sensory abilities, particularly our ability to sense ourselves. Current and potential applications include: touch-based therapies, bodily creativity, sensorimotor rehabilitation, pain management, addition and depression, improved cognitive functioning, remote communication and presence, virtual and augmented reality applications, and new artistic and entertainment forms.