The Humming Wall: Vibrotactile and Vibroacoustic Interactions in an Urban Environment

We observed interactions with The Humming Wall, a vibrotactile and vibroacoustic interactive artifact placed in an urban park. Prior studies have focused on interactivity with primarily vision based systems (or with this system, the interaction between the wall and a wearable vibrotactile vest). Here, we concentrated on the passersby and natural inhabitants' responses and interactions to the vibrotactile-vibroacoustic interactive furniture. We analysed infrared footage from a 6 &1/2 day period. We found longer interaction sequences on different days and times frames with solos, groups and groups with children. We contribute incrementally on confirming findings with prior studies on interactive public displays but in this instance the interactions are with vibro-tactile-acoustic responses. In addition, we innovate with the first study that demonstrates the successful use of a vibrotactile-vibroacoustic interactive artifact in a public space.