The beginnings of the vibration technology date back to the nineteenth century. It was initially used to treat so-called hysteria cases. In the Soviet Union this technology was applied to counter the negative effects of zero gravity on cosmonauts as well as to increase the jumping strength of members of the Russian State Ballet. The foot massage machine, a simple application, can be found in Vienna in public places such as the Brigittenauer Bad, for instance. The vibrating support surface improves blood circulation and relaxes the muscles. The “Power Plate” has been regarded as the ultimate fitness device for several years. Training effects comparable to those achieved without such a device can be reached in a third of the time.

Despite the many variations and the long history of the application of this principle, vibration devices have only ever been constructed for one person at a time. Whereas this technology was reserved for a few, select people in socialist countries, it stands for the demands on the acceleration of body and mind in late capitalist societies: for people competing against each other.

The project Kollektive Rüttelplatte (Collective Vibrating Plate) presented the prototype of a vibration device for up to twenty people. The self-contained shaping and relaxing of one’s own body became a joint experience of oscillating in the same frequency. The shared experience of uncertain ground produced a training effect of strengthened collective feelings. The device supported the exchange and understanding between strangers that were literally tuned in to the same wavelength.

Everybody could activate the vibrating plate at the touch of a button and use it free of charge.