Aurélis: A Wearable Device for Emotional Externalization

Human emotions are typically expressed through language, facial expressions, and body language. However, these conventional methods may sometimes fail to accurately or adequately convey emotions, and individuals might even choose to hide or suppress their feelings. This research introduces Aurélis, a nonverbal wearable communication device based on physiological signals, which aims to provide a novel approach to externalizing emotional expressions. The device employs a design vocabulary that utilizes physiological data from galvanic skin response (GSR) sensors as inputs to translate emotions into visualized representations. Inspired by the morphology of jellyfish and the embodied expression of emotions in dance, Aurélis incorporates a core operational system driven by an electromagnetically controlled air pump. By regulating the inflow and outflow of air, it enables units made from flexible TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) material to inflate and deflate, creating dynamic changes in form. These changes correspond to four emotions: amusement, anger, fear, and sadness. To evaluate its effectiveness, 10 participants were invited to observe and assess the accuracy of the emotions conveyed by the device and the alignment with its design intent. This study not only offers an innovative method for emotional expression but also explores the potential of emotion-driven interaction design based on physiological signals, paving the way for a new paradigm in emotional communication.