research-article

Understanding Fidget Widgets: Exploring the Design Space of Embodied Self-Regulation

Authors:

Michael Karlesky,

Katherine IsbisterAuthors Info & Claims

NordiCHI '16: Proceedings of the 9th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction

Article No.: 38, Pages 1 - 10

https://doi.org/10.1145/2971485.2971557

Published: 23 October 2016 Publication History

Abstract

We argue that embodied self-regulation---managing attention and emotion through physical activity---is an underexplored opportunity for HCI researchers and practitioners. We present research exploring the self-regulation design space through the use of Fidget Widgets---objects manipulated with the hands alongside daily deskwork. Through a novel qualitative study method we collected 132 exemplars of these behaviors and objects. We employed Tumblr, a social media site, as a formative research instrument and used a grounded theory approach to reveal patterns in physical properties and use. Submissions were markedly varied and included evocative, colorful descriptors such as "crinkly", "squishy", and "clickyclackety" revealing a sensory experience and desires far different than those typically associated with computational work. Our analysis of the submissions revealed evidence of self-regulation towards achieving calm, focus, and creativity; additionally, design opportunities in somesthetics and social context emerged. Our ongoing research has implications for HCI practitioners working in tangible computing and peripheral interaction as well as for those supporting wellbeing through interactive technology design.

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Zhou NSun YDevleminck SGeurts LCiolfi LHogan TDöring TJenkins Tvan Dijk JHuron SLi ZCoyle DSigner B(2024)Squeezable Interface for Emotion Regulation in Work EnvironmentsProceedings of the Eighteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction10.1145/3623509.3635256(1-7)Online publication date: 11-Feb-2024
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Index Terms

Understanding Fidget Widgets: Exploring the Design Space of Embodied Self-Regulation
1. Human-centered computing

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NordiCHI '16: Proceedings of the 9th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction

October 2016

1045 pages

ISBN:9781450347631

DOI:10.1145/2971485

General Chairs:
Staffan Björk
University of Gothenburg
,
Eva Eriksson
Chalmers University of Technology
,
Program Chairs:
Morten Fjeld
Chalmers University of Technology
,
Susanne Bødker
University of Aarhus
,
Publications Chairs:
Wolmet Barendregt
University of Gothenburg
,
Mohammad Obaid
Chalmers University of Technology

Copyright © 2016 ACM.

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Published: 23 October 2016

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NordiCHI '16

NordiCHI '16: 9th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction

October 23 - 27, 2016

Gothenburg, Sweden

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NordiCHI '16 Paper Acceptance Rate 58 of 231 submissions, 25%;

Overall Acceptance Rate 379 of 1,572 submissions, 24%

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Zhou NSun YDevleminck SGeurts LCiolfi LHogan TDöring TJenkins Tvan Dijk JHuron SLi ZCoyle DSigner B(2024)Squeezable Interface for Emotion Regulation in Work EnvironmentsProceedings of the Eighteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction10.1145/3623509.3635256(1-7)Online publication date: 11-Feb-2024
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