_Ishin-denshin_ is a Japanese idiom which denotes the traditional concept of interpersonal communication through unspoken mutual understanding. This four-character compound, known as a *yojijukugo*, literally translates as “what the mind thinks, the heart transmits.” Sometimes explained in English in terms of telepathy or sympathy, *ishin-denshin* is also commonly rendered as “heart-to-heart communication” or “tacit understanding.” (Source: **Wikipedia**)

The _Ishin-Den-Shin_ installation addresses physicality and intimacy in digital audio communication. It consists is a microphone that can record sounds and transmit them through touch. Once recorded, the sound is transformed into an inaudible signal. This is transmitted to a person’s body when they hold the microphone. The signal can be transmitted by physical contact from body to body. The recorded sound becomes audible only when touching someone’s ear. The sound can be heard only by the ear that is touched, as if the finger were whispering the recorded sounds. Secrets, messages and whispers can then be transmitted from person to person in physical contact with each others. Bodies become a broadcasting medium for intimate, physical, sound communication.

Links: www.ishin-den-shin.com

Developed at Disney Research Pittsburgh

Ivan Poupyrev (US/RU) directs an interaction technology group in Disney Research’s Pittsburgh Lab, tasked with dreaming up and developing future technologies for Disney parks, resorts, and cruises. His research focuses on inventing new interactive technologies for the seamless blending of digital and physical properties in devices, everyday objects and living environments.

Yuri Suzuki (JP), born 1980, is a sound artist, designer and electronic musician who produces work that explores the realms of sound through exquisitely designed pieces. He worked for the Japanese art unit Maywa Denki, where he developed a strong interest in music and technology before moving to London in 2005. From 2011 he became designer and visiting artist in the Stockholm creative collective Teenage Engineering and the Walt Disney Research for Interaction design group.

Olivier Bau (US/FR) is a researcher and designer working at Disney Imagineering, Research. His interests include augmenting the human body with new capabilities using wearable technology, creating installations and environments that engender unique and engaging experiences and developing interfaces that will enable us to take full advantage of advances in computing technologies.