The Extended Presence
–
Maaike Helleman
–
Maaike Helleman
Checking your smartphone during a conversation — what seems like a simple behavioural act — has evolved into a shift in the way we communicate with each other. Body position and eye contact have changed so that people can simultaneously communicate with those physically around them and with their smartphones. People now routinely use smartphones to offload cognitive tasks, such as taking photos to ‘remember’ a moment of togetherness. All this makes that people nowadays cannot imagine being without their smartphone, these devices have even been invited to the table — a space once meant for undivided attention and embodied presence, now often shared with a silent guest. This guest can be seen as an extension of ourselves, shaped though the way we use it.
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The Extended Presence was created out of a curious exploration into what the smartphone could bring to shared table interactions. How could the smartphone, as an extension, possibly earn its place at the table and become part of the interaction — not to separate, but to create a balance between digital presence and physical togetherness?
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As a café installation, The Extended Presence is a space where visitors are invited to have a coffee and participate. The table at the heart of the installation only functions through collective participation and the use of smartphones. Come visit The Extended Presence café during one of the available time slots and experience it for yourself.
![]()
The Extended Presence was created out of a curious exploration into what the smartphone could bring to shared table interactions. How could the smartphone, as an extension, possibly earn its place at the table and become part of the interaction — not to separate, but to create a balance between digital presence and physical togetherness?
As a café installation, The Extended Presence is a space where visitors are invited to have a coffee and participate. The table at the heart of the installation only functions through collective participation and the use of smartphones. Come visit The Extended Presence café during one of the available time slots and experience it for yourself.
