• Environmental Preparation:Create a comfortable, quiet space free from distractions. The immersive nature of this experience works best when you can fully focus on the embodied sensations and social presence being evoked.
• Openness to Novel Sensations:This experience explores pseudohaptics and virtual social touch—sensations that may feel unfamiliar at first. Approach with openness and allow time for your perception to adapt to these new forms of connection.
• Social Comfort Level:If participating in multi-user sessions, consider your comfort level with virtual intimacy and social presence. The experience is designed to evoke genuine feelings of connection, which can be powerful and emotionally resonant.
• Mindful Presence:Focus on the embodied sensations rather than analyzing them. Let yourself be present with the experience of virtual touch and telepresent connection without judgment.
• Physical Stillness:While the experience is interactive, moments of physical stillness can enhance your sensitivity to the subtle pseudohaptic feedback being generated.
• Intention Setting:Before beginning, set an intention around connection and presence. This research-based experience explores profound questions about embodiment and social touch in virtual spaces.
• Post-Experience Reflection:Take time after the experience to journal or reflect on the sensations you experienced. The boundary-dissolving nature of virtual social touch can provide insights into embodiment and connection.
• Research Context:Understanding that this is an experimental research project may enhance appreciation for the innovative techniques being explored. Review the CHI paper and iSpace Lab materials for deeper context.

At a glance:

How to facilitate

1. Explain that the piece explores social presence and touch-like sensations; ask about comfort with virtual intimacy and boundaries.
2. Demonstrate the stop/help signal and only the essential controls.
3. Monitor physical movement, emotional comfort, and interpersonal boundaries continuously.
4. Stop immediately if the guest withdraws consent or feels distressed.
5. Ask: “What felt present or embodied even though it was virtual?”

Troubleshooting

• Tracking/pseudohaptics fail → check SteamVR tracking, controllers, calibration, and network.
• Multi-user connection fails → verify both rigs/session settings and relaunch.
• Unresolved → mark unavailable and escalate to John/Jose/Tirso.

Reset Steps