A study in animated graphics ASMR.

By creating and testing animated graphical objects I’m investigating the importance of human presence for experiencing ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response).

Millions of people all over the world regularly watch videos where someone creates sounds using various objects and whispers into a microphone. This is part of the hunt for so-called tingles: warm, relaxing “brain massage” which can best be produced by audio and visual stimuli. The phenomenon has been popularized as Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR).

Almost all ASMR videos have a person present to a greater or lesser extent. In some of them the person sits close to the camera and pays intrusive attention to the watcher. In others, the person only shows her hands and remains silent while the sound is created. This project examines whether a human presence is necessary in order to trigger ASMR or whether the tactile experience can be generated via animated graphic objects.

I have created my own animated ASMR material, free from human presence. I have also tested the material quantitatively in a digital survey and the results have been summarized in a film.

Link to project website: synthetictriggers.github.io

CONTACT
nilsmarcusnystrand@gmail.com
+46 (0)73 344 73 75
marcusnystrand.se

THANKS TO
Primetec, Parasoll Utemöbler, Mattias Jakobsson, Philip Åkerfeldt, Jonas Johansson, Jesper Jansson, Måns Peterson, Dr. Craig Richard, Adam Ringstedt, Oscar Modig and everyone who participated in the survey.

press images