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Afferent Skin

Siyu Guo

Profile picture of Siyu Guo

I’m Siyu GUO, a designer and researcher from China, fascinated by the boundaries between humans and nature, and between the human and the non-human. I'm interested into imagining future in a different perspective. Currently, I am exploring the intersection between body and mind, and how internal experiences can be translated into visible and tactile forms. My practice now moves between critical design and bodily interaction.

I enjoy working across diverse media — including painting, graphics, videos, objects, interactive installations — to explore the themes that interest me.I believe design can be a tool to explore human nature, and that good design offers new perspectives on how we live now and in the future.

I’m Siyu GUO, a designer and researcher from China, fascinated by the boundaries between hu...

Afferent Skin is a speculative design project that re-imagines the skin as an emotional interface. Using physiological inputs such as heart rate and ambient sound, the project explores how internal emotional states can be translated into dynamic visible signals on the surface of the body. The final prototype consists of wearable “afferent skin” composed of clusters of spiky hair-like structures that respond through movement and vibration. The aim of the work is not to quantify or correct emotions, but to give them form - mapping emotions onto the body to imagine skin as a new kind of surface. Based on theories of post-humanism and somatic aesthetics, the project proposes a shift from expression to externalization, from mind to body.

Final work

A full view of the wearable emotional skin device worn on the back, with black spiky hairs extending out.

Spiky Hairs Extending out

These spiky, hair-like structures evoke a hedgehog-like sensation. When a heightened heart rate or sudden external sound is detected, they stand upright—visibly expressing the wearer’s inner emotional state. This represents a speculative reimagining of future human skin: perhaps in the future, our skin will not become tougher or stronger, but more sensitive and perceptive.

Close-up view showing clustered structures

Structures

The spiky hair-like structures are interconnected and synchronously controlled by servo motors.The spiky hair-like structures are interconnected and synchronously controlled by servo motors.

It's a photo when burrs open up when the user becomes agitated
Some photos that show how the user is otherwise dressed, such as on their chest or legs

Alternative ways of wearing

The design allows for multiple modes of wearing, inviting the user to reposition it across different parts of the body, each revealing new affective possibilities.

Research and process

Research photos of marks on skin with participant‘s memories and stories

Research photos of skin memories

This insight emerged through research and interviews: everyone’s skin carries its own unique marks. As a perceptive interface, the skin records certain memories and emotional moments. These observations led me to reflect on the intimate relationship between skin and emotion.

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Afferent Skin

Afferent Skin is a speculative design project that re-imagines the skin as an emotional interface. Using physiological inputs such as heart rate and ambient sound, the project explores how internal emotional states can be translated into dynamic visible signals on the surface ...

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