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Xiaran Song¡¯s research is part of her ongoing doctoral study, which explores the intersection of technology and spiritual practices. The research explored how digital technology might support silence and help in reflection, attunement and meaning-making. It also introduces the Chinese aesthetic concept of Liubai (Áô°× Empty space) and asks how does it open up new ways of designing for noticing and reflection?

Song felt the need for digital fasting to pause and reflect. Thus the paper came about as she took part in an artistic residency where slowing down and quiet contemplation were encouraged by activities such as meditation and by using other means than i.e. mobile chats to communicate. The residency made her discover the value of slowness and liubai (Áô°× Empty space) on her work as an artist and a researcher.

In a field that is obsessed with efficiency Song¡¯s research invites people to take a pause. The idea of slow design has been floating around for a few years but at the same time is something that the field of human-computer interaction struggles with. What makes Song¡¯s work important, according to the paper¡¯s co-writer Andr¨¦s Lucero, is that it opens the space for the idea of slowing down; truly picks it up and does something with it.

Song, as an artist-researcher, brings a different viewpoint to tech. At the conference full of presentations about how to be faster and more efficient with new tools, her presentation will bring a quiet pause and will give the listeners an opportunity to feel out their blank spaces.

Song and Lucero both mention the need for humans for quiet reflection. In a world where we are constantly fed information, it¡¯s important to take pause. So as you have read this article, we invite you to put your phone away or close the window on your computer and take a moment, just for yourself, in silence. Pause, reflect and find your liubai.