Ambient Dialogue

Alex Wang, MFA ’11

thesis abstract

My thesis explores forms of interpersonal communication over distance through physical objects and ambient information.

We live in a three-dimensional world, but have limited means to communicate with people across physical distances. How can we extend this communication to include the more tactile, subtle and sensual ways? We have developed sophisticated skills for sensing and receiving ambient information—light, sound, movement—in the physical environment. However, most of these are not employed in digital interpersonal communication.

My thesis projects explore how to take advantage of these technologies to create rich and meaningful communication through nonverbal, non-screen-based experiences across distances.