Inspired by theoretical research surrounding the “why” and “how” of building an empathetic and emotional affinity for inanimate objects, my masters dissertation researched the emotional responses evoked by physical interaction with materiality and texture. It seeks to explore the way tactile surfaces can influence a person’s relationship to, or understanding of, an object and how that translates to a broader design spectrum. Though my program has ended, I continue to explore the infinite avenues and possibilities this subject offers in my personal time. 

An example of a possible application of the research would be book design. Drawing on the characteristics of differing textures as defined during research, I explored ways the textures could describe plot themes and connect the reader to a story.

Shown is a book series that utilizes the textures to draw parallels between plot lines (such as the manipulation of main characters and discomfort) as well as, conversely, highlighting distinctions between the stories. The title and author is laser cut from the covers for additional textural depth, and a single geometric shape is featured to address a key aspect of the setting for each story. The texture from each cover is printed black on black on the inside covers as a “ghosting,” to subtly reiterate the cover texture as a way of foreshadowing the content. Goudy Old Style is used, in part, for it’s quality use as body copy, as well as for its crooked, quirky character. A texture is applied on all the interior pages so that the reader can physically feel the emotional discomfort of the characters.