# Project Description Afferent Skin Siyu Guo Summary Final work 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... College Central Saint Martins Course MA Industrial Design Graduation year 2025 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 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. 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. 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 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. Share this project 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 ... A link to this page has been added to your clipboard Browse related work Beyond Human Aesthetics Futures Mental Health PostHuman Interaction