Nexus
A new dimension in connectivity. Technology that connects.
A study project by Joyvita Benjamin
3rd semester, 2025
Supervising lecturers: Design: Prof. Tsunemitsu Tanaka; Technical aspects: Romina Marsico; Management: Sarah Antes
Navigating the globalised world of work
Nowadays, being on the move often means being physically separated from the people closest to us. Remote workers, in particular, spend long periods away from their families and partners. Whilst digital communication allows us to see and hear one another, essential aspects of human closeness are lost.
Approach
In my project, I explored how emotional connections can be maintained and strengthened for people who travel for work.
To this end, I took a closer look at the process of interpersonal connection.
The process of connection is based on three main elements:
- Orientation: Perceiving the other person’s emotional state
- Organisation: The translation of biological signals into tangible experiences
- Conduction: The transmission of these sensory impressions across a distance
The challenge
Remote workers face a fundamental limitation: whilst video calls and messaging allow us to see and hear one another, key aspects of physical closeness are missing – the warmth of a hug, the soothing rhythm of a heartbeat, or the simple sense of another person’s presence. This sensory gap can lead to emotional alienation and stress.
The idea
NEXUS is a communication system that translates biological signals into tangible sensory experiences. The system consists of two main components:
The wristband
- Monitors the wearer’s heart rate and body temperature
- Transmits these in the form of vibrations and heat patterns
- Enables the wearer to physically sense their partner across a distance
The enhanced communication interface
- Converts emotional states into synchronised sensory experiences
- Offers various modes for different types of connection
The technology functions like an emotional translator:
- Detection of biological signals
- Conversion into meaningful patterns
- Synchronised transmission to the partner
Product video:
Value Proposition:
My app, NEXUS, is primarily aimed at couples living apart for work reasons, where one or both
work remotely. The core benefit lies in fostering and maintaining
emotional bonds across extreme distances. NEXUS differs from
conventional communication solutions through the integration of multisensory
experiences that specifically support the health and wellbeing of both partners. The
solution addresses the specific challenges of long-distance relationships and
creates new opportunities for emotional cohesion despite physical separation.
At the heart of the application lies the transformation of cold communication technology into
tangible human intimacy. This is achieved through the use of various sensory modalities
.