Emotion Through Motion: How Shape-Changing Jewelry Conveys Emotions

Shape-changing wearables are known to convey emotions to wearers and observers, and jewelry is commonly worn for self-expression and to be seen by others. But how do individual shape change parameters impact the emotions communicated? In a first study, participants observed a shape-changing necklace; the second included wearing it. The necklace uses pneumatic finger actuators; fabrication details are provided. We systematically varied motion type, CHI '26, April 13-17, 2026, Barcelona, Spain Brocker et al.

speed, amplitude and repetition, and exterior material to analyze emotions using Russell's circumplex model. Additionally, we asked users what they associated with each shape change. We found some surprising relationships between shape change parameters and the valence and arousal levels of emotions wearers and observers perceived. Symmetrical actuations were recognized more accurately and received higher valence and arousal ratings. Interestingly, even when wearers, who only felt motions, misidentified them, their ratings matched those from observers. Our findings support creating shape-changing interfaces that communicate emotions more precisely.