Material metaphors: method for physicalizing relations and experiences

Abstract

Physicalizing or materializing relationships between ideas and experiences can be an effective and creative tool for people to discuss otherwise hidden concepts around diverse topics. Earlier research has shown how toolkits can help people express themselves by representing concepts and relations physically but can demand effort to prepare and substantial time investment by participants and researchers. In this paper we discuss how these barriers to such physicalization toolkits can be lowered by using easily obtainable household materials. The Tangible Thinking workshop was analysed and critiqued, and an example is given of how to creatively iterate on it, resulting in the novel Material Metaphors workshop. By performing the Tangible Thinking and the Material Metaphors workshops, it became apparent that the diverse materiality of Material Metaphors helped the participants to tell a more personal story, due to the ability to adapt elements to their own meanings. This study gives an insight into what happens when people collectively seek for accessible tools to explore a connected future, like the one we were introduced to during the time of COVID-19.