Why we need emotional design

Communication is a key factor in our modern lives and with new technology at the height of innovation, we have the most mediated relationships history has seen. This is perhaps the reason why people are beginning to have successful long distance relationships; the introduction of e-mail, texting and interactive web sites such as bebo, facebook and twitter are making long distance communication possible throughout the world by allowing fleeting conversations and swapping of pictures and videos when it is convenient for the user. This means we can catch a glimpse of what the other person is doing without having to make the time to talk to them directly. However, the problem comes when we apply this to personal relationships, due to the fact we are missing an important part of the communication. Simply transferring information to your computer with the hope of a reply in the near future is not emotional, and that is one of the main things that make a personal relationship work. The reason why long distance relationships more often that not fall apart within months, is there is no physical interaction and no emotional stimulation.