HUG ME! explores the theme of touch, through prototyping with inflatable structures combined with traditional textiles to explore the potential for future wearable devices.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made physical contact risky and social distancing necessary leading to a reduction in emotional support due to the lack of physical contact. This new online-dominated communication landscape resonated with the artist, at the same time, she reflected on the loss of communication caused by busyness and unconsciousness in life before COVID-19.

Inspired by biomimicry, she used it as a strategy to recreate the physical sensation of hugging through moving inflatable textile structures. The prototypes are designed with different structures to move, expand and display different effects when ambient light changes. The HUG ME system is wearable, acting as a reminder of a sense of care for people - delivering a vital sense of touch or the sensation of a hug.