Towards a Model of Virtual Proxemics for Wearables

We present a Virtual Proxemics Model inspired by Hall’s Proxemics Theory targeting wearable technology design and use. In Virtual Proxemics the degree of data control defines different levels of data spaces personal closeness including: Intimate, Personal, Social and Public in the same way Hall’s proxemics defines these for physical distance from a person. This model is important for wearable technology design due to the design characteristics of wearables such as: attention-free, invisibility, closeness to the body, sensory linked, controllability and always-on that may compromise a wearer’s ability to adequately control data either coming to them or being sent. We describe an experience with a wearable system, called ‘The Cat in the Map.’ In this system, when strangers accessed the wearer’s Intimate data space, she became uncomfortable, consistent with the model. Likewise, when her intimate relations accessed the same data space, she enjoyed the experience. Thus, we see that Virtual Proxemics Model aligns with wearer’s experience of data control that may be suitable for the design of automated data access control mechanisms.