The <i>whisper pillow</i>

Abstract

Emotional expression is crucial to feeling close to each other. However, current lifestyles and working situations often reduce the opportunities for "relatedness experiences". The present paper presents the Whisper Pillow, an interactive artifact for mediating emotional expression among couples with different daily routines (e.g., due to shift work). We provide a detailed reflection about how form of and interaction with the pillow create and shape the desired experience. In addition, we present an empirical exploration of the practices and experiences which emerge when using the pillow in daily life. The study showed that experiences can be successfully inscribed into the material. At the same time, it reminds us of the fact that users still need to embark on the experience and always find alternative practices and experiences through appropriation.