Film as invisible design: the example of the biometric daemon

ABSTRACT

Film is an accessible medium that can be used naturally to elicit comment and critique. In this sense film can be as the natural language for experience design. We are developing a series of experimental films that can convey user-experience without explicitly depicting the object that generates that experience. In doing this, we are building upon the idea (well rehearsed in the scientific debate about mental imagery) that some visual representations can be inexplicitly non-committal about the presence or absence of certain objects or features. Our films are explicitly non-committal about the objects they describe -- in the sense that the devices are deliberately kept hidden or invisible to the user. We present one such film that captures a security device we call a Biometric Daemon -- essentially an electronic pet that thrives on biometric signals. Crucially, the Daemon is never shown in the film, while the relationship between the Daemon and the user is made apparent.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.m MISCELLANEOUS

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.m Miscellaneous

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors

Keywords:
claims analysis, communication, design methods, design rationale, handheld devices, mobile computing, scenarios, security, storyboards, video content