sensinginto

Sensinginto is a term used in speculative human–computer interaction and sensory studies to describe the practice of directing attention to internal bodily signals and their relationship to external data streams, with the aim of enriching perception and control of digital systems. It encompasses both conscious interoceptive focus and the algorithmic interpretation of physiological signals to infer user intent or state.

In practice, sensinginto involves collecting data from physiological sensors (such as heart rate, skin conductance, EEG, gaze, or breathing patterns) and mapping these signals to interface actions or environmental adjustments. The workflow typically includes data collection, signal processing, feature extraction, and the construction of perceptual mappings that users can learn to leverage during interaction. Training and calibration are often required to tailor the system to individual differences in physiology and awareness.

Applications of sensinginto appear across adaptive user interfaces, immersive and augmented reality, therapeutic tools, and assistive technologies. Proponents argue that it can reduce cognitive load by aligning system responses with internal states, enhance accessibility for users with limited motor control, and enable nuanced, context-sensitive feedback in digital art and pedagogy.

Critics point to challenges in reliability, variability across users, and the subjective nature of interoceptive awareness. Privacy and data security are also concerns, given the sensitive physiological data involved. While sensinginto remains largely experimental, it continues to influence research in physiological computing, biofeedback, and next-generation brain–computer interfaces. See also interoception, biofeedback, brain–computer interface, and physiological computing.