'Votive Connections'

Communication is a key factor in our modern lives and with new technology at the height of innovation, we have themost mediated relationships seen so far. However, in long distance relationships, e-mail etc is important, but it isn;tenough for it to survive due to the fact there is no physicalor emotional interaction.
By creating an interactive product which has emotional value, we enhance the votive aspect, turning it into atreasured item for commnication.I have developed a set of objects called ‘Votive Connections’ which are interactive and provide the missing tangible element.

Degree Show

Objects which have the greatest personal meaning are kept as a reminder of a particular person or moment in time, alocket, teddy or even a mixed tape which have no obvious meaning except to the person who recieved them.‘Votive Connetions’ would be an extension of the RFDI service,developed for use by couples who have to spend time apart.



A variety of different object would be made with RFDI tags already inside for the user to program a URL to. They would then give one or more objects to their partner which can be constantly updated with new actions and URls. The ‘Votive Connections’ service will act as a new kind of love letter or a modern take on on mixed tape with added interaction, as an addition to existing forms of communication.



I propose that the objects we keep for sentimental value can be brought back to life by mediating them with RFDI tags. This waywe keep the emotional value of someone giving you a gift, whilstkeeping up-to-date with technology.This gives the person more than just a tangible product to cherish, they can alsorecieve constant updates of personal information which allows them tocommunicate emotionally with their partner.

Renders

Using a program called Rhino, CAD style drawings are made then rendered to give a realistic effect. This shows 3 of the items; plectrum, crayon and key.

Key Words

By aiming to create concepts with technology based applications and tangible, votive elements will allow couples in long distance relationships to build on sharing parts of there day visually with their partner, with a comforting touch of home and personality.

Rapid Prototype

Some objects were made by Rapid Prototyping; a drawing is created on Rhino and send to the machine which gives you products made of a white sandy material that you have to harden by coating with super glue until they are hard.

Objects are they sprayed with a high build primer then sanded and sprayed with a satin white paint. Black vinal is then cut out and stuck on with objects with the name.

Process

Some objects made out of J-cast from a silicone mould.
RFDI tags are put inside during the manufacture.

Inspiration

The final objects must be simplistic and iconic.