Ishi
Reconnecting with the Physical in a Digital World
As the world retreated indoors during COVID-19, our lives became increasingly tethered to screens. Ishi is a sensory device designed to help people disconnect from the digital realm and reawaken their physical senses. Inspired by the tranquility of Japanese Zen gardens, Ishi (which means rock in Japanese) invites users to pause, reflect, and restore balance.
Project Background:
This project was two-day exploration developed during the Sensory Design course at CIID with a focus on exploring how our senses can guide new forms of interaction with technology. My team included Nitin Surendran (India) and Elliott Wortham (USA).
Inspiration
In Japanese culture, rocks symbolize grounding and stillness. Drawing from the meditative qualities of Zen gardens, the team explored how tactile interaction could help users regain focus and well-being in an increasingly digital world.
A Warm Reminder
Ishi is a heat-sensitive “stone” that monitors time spent on digital devices. When it detects prolonged screen use, it distorts the user’s display using p5.js—creating a visual metaphor of disorientation. To restore clarity, users must warm Ishi with their hands. This simple act of touch becomes a ritual of reconnection, grounding users in the present moment.
Once Ishi reaches a threshold temperature, the distortion fades, and the screen returns to normal. The interaction is designed to be gentle yet intentional, encouraging users to take a break, breathe, and re-enter the digital space with renewed awareness.
