Marisa
‘Marisa’. A phygital bridge treasuring Grandma’s affection beyond smartphone boundaries.
The author and her grandma both face anxieties from their smartphones, but they keep pursuing their promise to keep them connected with their loved ones. However, the design in these digital spaces prioritizes continuous interaction over their goals. Wondering how to transmit affection between grandma and granddaughter, away from smartphone issues and third-party interests, they present a device in the shape of a desk that allows instant letter sending via webcam and a robotic arm, but only if smartphones are in an exterior drawer. This device blends analog and digital, where we control and benefit from our interactions, gaining agency over our relationship.
The author and her grandma both face anxieties from their smartphones, but they keep pursuing their promise to keep them connected with their loved ones. However, the design in these digital spaces prioritizes continuous interaction over their goals. Wondering how to transmit affection between grandma and granddaughter, away from smartphone issues and third-party interests, they present a device in the shape of a desk that allows instant letter sending via webcam and a robotic arm, but only if smartphones are in an exterior drawer. This device blends analog and digital, where we control and benefit from our interactions, gaining agency over our relationship.
