Sometimes a book can completely consume you. You get so stuck into the story, that it almost feels as though you can physically feel what the character feels.
Well, now, thanks to the phenomenon that is wearable tech, you can relate to the character in your book in more ways than one.
“˜Sensory Fiction‘ is a wearable vest that creates physical sensations based on what is written in a certain book. It basically amplifies your reading experience by letting you physically feel what the character feels and also gives you a sense of the environment the character finds itself in.
The device uses effects to elevate the reading experience – basically making reading more real. It uses effects such as vibration, temperature, compression and ambient lighting to give you a physical relation to the story.
Sensory Fiction has a body compression system, localized body control and a heartbeat and shiver stimulator. The device itself also features150 LED lights on the book cover. These lights then react based on the plot of the story.
The effects are pre-programmed to the story, so every time you turn the page and experience a new environment, setting or feeling, the device will make you feel it.
For example, should your protagonist find his or herself in love, the device will vibrate which, in turn will increase your heart rate – making the story truly “˜heartfelt‘. Should the story find itself in a cold environment, the device will lower your skin temperature.
Sensory Fiction was developed by MIT‘s Media Lab. Felix Heibeck, a member of the Sensory Fiction project, says that the idea isn‘t as much of a sellable product idea, but rather a means to explore the sensory experience:
“This is not a product idea, but rather an exploration in the context of science fiction stories, it is an artifact meant to provoke discussions” he said.
To date, only one story has been programmed with Sensory Fiction. “˜The Girl Who Was Plugged In‘ (ironic much) by James Tiptree has been turned into a physical reading experience by the guys at MIT.
However, the developers at MIT arent the first people to experiment woth sensory reading devices. One company that is (obviously) also busy conducting experiments is Disney.
You can imagine what it would mean to kids around the world – and Disney‘s profits – if they could develop a book that can make kids feel like they are truly part of the adventure.
Devices like these are popping up everywhere nowadays. With the rise of wearable tech, people are looking into more ways of integrating human emotions and sensations into everyday items, like a story book.
Should the device become a sellable product, one can imagine that people all over the world would want to read their favourite stories and really feel them. I‘m sure ladies around the world wouldn‘t mind giving this device a go with 50 Shades of Grey…
Source: Mashable
