Squeezable Interface for Emotion Regulation in Work Environments
Nianmei Zhou, Yuhan Sun, Steven Devleminck, Luc Geurts · 2024
Squeezing objects has been proven to be effective in helping people release negative emotions. This work-in-progress study revolves around the design and development of a proof-of-concept system to facilitate conversations on how to design squeezable interfaces for emotion regulation in the workplace. In this paper, we describe the design and development of EmoSkweezee, an interactive desktop wallpaper controlled by a squeezable ball to support emotion regulation in a peripheral way. In our pilot study, we utilized this proof-of-concept system to provoke discussions with HCI practitioners about their perspectives and the potential of squeezable interfaces for emotion regulation. In the future, the requirements for a squeezable interface for emotion regulation will be explored with desk workers and experts through interviews and co-design workshops. This proof-of-concept will serve as a catalyst for conversations in our future user studies.