Papers in progress

This paper provides an overview of the current relationship between telepresence devices, houseplants, and people. A device named the Plant Caretaking and Communication Unit (PCCU) is introduced as a potential product that allows for the interaction of two or more individuals by taking care of one another’s plants. The psychological and physiological effects of plants, caretaking, and telepresence in health are discussed to illustrate the potential benefits of PCCU. Limitations of remote communication methods in care situations have been widely illuminated during the 2020pandemic, and this has illuminated the human need for caretaking in social interactions. Tasks requiring the care of living organisms and tasks requiring interaction with computer interfaces show vast differences in the mental and physical impact on individuals. While PCCU is unable to address some aspects of physical telepresence that degrade social presence, this paper discusses how improvements can be made to the tool to provide a more natural and soothing interface.