During Global Grad Show 2015, PhD candidate at TU Eindhoven Bin Yu and Dutch designer Rogier Arent showed us, how great design can reshape the value of technology. Their invention Heart Bloom could best be described as ‘heart calligraphy’, translating biodata into a visual and thus enhancing self-awareness.
During Global Grad Show 2015, PhD candidate at TU Eindhoven Bin Yu and Dutch designer Rogier Arent showed us, how great design can reshape the value of technology. Their invention Heart Bloom could best be described as ‘heart calligraphy’, translating biodata into a visual and thus enhancing self-awareness. A biofeedback device collects heart rate data and visualizes it with the assistance of a pen plotter. They therefore produced a biofeedback installation in which the heart leads the brush and participants are invited to explore the physical, cognitive and emotional influences on their physiology; the resulting prints are abstract portraits depicting the subconscious processes of the human body.
The duo now teamed up the Dutch Heart Foundation Hartstitching, and the invention is used to encourage people to donate money to children with heart diseases. Participants can try out Heart Bloom to create the flower on the card. After a donation to the foundation, they will receive their designed card as a reward. But it also brings a positive message to children with heart diseases, empowering them and, making them see, hear, and feel the ‘seed’ inside their own body, which turns into a flower. More than 900 people took part already, and the collaboration will continue throughout the year.