CoEx communication suite: investigation into the sensation of coexistence through network-enhanced tangible media

This work discusses our project, which focuses on the new possibilities of methods of communication enhanced by digital networks. The aim of the project is to develop prototypes for a system with which the sense of existence of a person and others can be digitally shared and experienced (or digitally coexist) through tangible devices without the need to actively engage in the operation of such devices. While studies of ambient intelligence generally focus on the visualization or experience of ever-changing customized information, this project is more specific and looks closely at how one can recognize the existence of other humans in digitally networked remote places. The paper covers the conceptual and technical development of the project by demonstrating a number of prototype developments and a range of development tools utilized including a combination of Macromedia Flash and Director and Parallax´s Basic stamp, which are easily available and accessible even for people with no technical background, such as the author himself.