Interaction relabelling and extreme characters: methods for exploring aesthetic interactions

ABSTRACT

Aesthetics and interaction are interwoven concepts, rather than separate entities. An aesthetics of interaction must consider richness in appearance, actions, and role. Moving beyond a narrow focus on usability in this way requires new methods for understanding design possibilities. Here we describe two: interaction relabelling, in which possible interactions with a known mechanical device are mapped to the functions of an electronic device to be designed; and extreme characters, in which fictional users with exaggerated emotional attitudes are taken as the basis of design to highlight cultural issues. These methods may help designers in considering physical interactions with products on the one hand, and the sociocultural role their products will take on the other.

REFERENCES

• 1: Colin Burns , Eric Dishman , William Verplank , Bud Lassiter, Actors, hairdos & videotape—informance design, Conference companion on Human factors in computing systems, p.119-120, April 24-28, 1994, Boston, Massachusetts, United States [doi>10.1145/259963.260102]
• 2: Dunne, A. (1999). Hertzian Tales: electronic products, aesthetic experience and critical design. London: RCA CRD Research publications.
• 3: Frens, J.W. (1999). Design of a portable appointment manager which considers content and emotional value of appointments. Master's thesis. Delft University of Technology.
• 4: Overbeeke, C.J., Djajadiningrat, J.R, Wensveen, S.A.G., & Hummels, C.C.M. (1999). Experiential and Respectful. Proceedings of the International Conference 'Useful and Critical'. UIAH, Helsinki.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.1 Project and People Management
          Subjects: Systems analysis and design

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)

  J. Computer Applications

General Terms:
Design, Management, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
aesthetics, design techniques, interaction, product design, roles