Distancebit: Designing a Technology Probe to Envision AR Glasses Enhancing Embodied Cross-Cultural Social Interaction

In cross-cultural social interactions, understanding non-verbal cues is as crucial as language. Distancebit is a critical design that reflects on how personal computing devices influence these interactions and explores the evolution of Augmented Reality (AR) in enhancing cross-cultural social experiences. Using a speculative design approach, we envision a future where everyone uses AR glasses. Our design focuses on differing interpersonal space (IPS) preferences in contact and non-contact cultures, helping users recognize culturally appropriate IPS and signal discomfort to the outside world when violated. Prototype evaluations indicated that Distancebit increased participant engagement and reflection on cross-cultural interactions. We also discuss cultural diversity, embodiment in cross-cultural settings, biosignal visualization, and human-technology relations, envisioning an future AR wearable device being more seamlessly embedded into the socio-cultural fabric, by communicating user’s information to the outside environment, thereby enhancing understanding and social interaction.