Flow and change: a Taoist approach to embodied human-computer interaction and fashionable wearables design

Nowadays, there is increasing recognition of the importance of incorporating Taoist philosophy into interaction design. This paper proposes a Taoist approach to HCI and wearable technologies, aiming to enhance embodied and relational interactions by harmonising humans, technology, and the environment. The research is presented through three case studies to enhance our understanding of material shape change in interactive artefacts: Flowing Out of the Body, illustrating mindful heart rate physicalisation through shape-changing garments; E-coral, featuring pneumatic tactile interaction; and Skeleton-Wear, a haptic wearable enhancing soma awareness. By integrating Taoist principles like flow, Wu-Wei, Qi, and Yin-Yang into material design, these design cases reveal innovative interaction modes and user experiences. These features nurture an elevated sense of flow, foster mindful awareness, and harmonise user input with material movement. This study contributes to a humanistic approach to technology, exploring practical actuation techniques that enable dynamic materials, enhance well-being, and improve the human-technology relationship.