Itch is one in a series of objects created for the Single Life workshop organised by Droog design and IDII.
As there seems to be a growing trend for people to live by themselves in contemporary society, we were asked to come up with ideas for objects to address the needs and comment on the life of singletons.
Itch is a chair-like contraption fitted with a vibrating/scratching mechanism that brings relief and pleasure to the backside of its lonely users. The intensity of the scratching action and the position of the scratching actuator is controlled by the user, moving a fingertip across a touchpad located under the seat base.
In spite of, or perhaps, thanks to its Rube Goldbergesque undertones, Itch helps people not just to stimulate their backs but also to reflect on the meaning of solitude and the rewards and pitfalls of loneliness.
Built in November 2005, using mostly ready-made materials. Special thanks to Edoardo Brambilla. Photos by the uncanny Aram Armstrong.
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By manipulating a touchpad under the seat, the user can direct the position and strength of Itch’s scratching mechanism.
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