Invisible things are the ones taken for granted: we do not focus our attention on the hammer itself when we use it – we just use it -Hallnäs & Redström 2002
This project transforms the concept of a chat group into a physical space where people become the senders, messengers, and receivers. It simulates a client-server interaction, illustrating how users communicate through servers that transmit messages between clients. The goal is to demystify the invisible processes behind messaging apps and other devices using client-server systems by making them tangible. Participants physically enact the flow of data, mimicking the journey it takes across the web. By turning intangible digital interactions into a visible and interactive experience, the prototype offers a clear understanding of how technology connects us daily.
This interactive exhibition is designed for a group of five participants, each positioned at individual stations characterized by colorful cardboards. One station, placed in the center, represents the server, while the others are clients. When a client writes and packages a message, the server collects it and delivers it to the intended recipient. The receiving client retrieves the package from the server to read the message, simulating a real-world chat interaction.
This project transforms the abstract process of client-server communication into an engaging physical experience, combining design ingenuity with technical problem-solving to demystify digital interactions.
In the welcome page there is a short slideshow explaining how the prototype works.
The first participant who enters the room will become a server, the next four will become clients.
