During the course on Interaction design in Japan we
explored the difference between European and
Japanese greetings. We created a hug hanger with
interchangeable materials expressing how people felt
about the hug they just received.

We explored how materials can also be used as a
language, a soft material would mean “I interpret your
hug as soft“ while receiving a rough material is another
way of saying “you give rough hugs“. This artifact
bridges a language gap as well as enabling people
to express themselves in a novel way, leaving some
openness to the interpretation of the expression.

The rest of my team consisted out of Japanese students
and I quickly learned that I had to give them space
to express their ideas, as they have good ideas
but tend to express themselves less then me.