Abstract
We present a case study as part of an investigation into the value of Embodied theory for the design of mixed physical-digital interactive products. An interactive light system was designed that empowers an independent living person with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in managing domestic activities. Reflecting on the case we develop our vision of Embodied Functionality (EF). Designing for EF goes beyond ‘distributing’ information technology in the environment. It aims at creating interactive physical-digital products that play a functional role (i.e. become part of) a person’s embodied being-in-the-world, involving a person’s identity. It does so by utilizing existing structure and by supporting action-perception couplings, reflection in- and on action and autonomy in social coordination. EF opens up an alternative design space holding the promise of a more successful appropriation of interactive (assistive) products into people’s everyday lives.
Keywords
embodiment, empowerment, interaction design, situated practice
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2016.381
Citation
van Dijk, J., and Verhoeven, F. (2016) To Shed Some Light on Empowerment: Towards Designing for Embodied Functionality, in Lloyd, P. and Bohemia, E. (eds.), Future Focused Thinking - DRS International Conference 2016, 27 - 30 June, Brighton, United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2016.381
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
To Shed Some Light on Empowerment: Towards Designing for Embodied Functionality
We present a case study as part of an investigation into the value of Embodied theory for the design of mixed physical-digital interactive products. An interactive light system was designed that empowers an independent living person with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in managing domestic activities. Reflecting on the case we develop our vision of Embodied Functionality (EF). Designing for EF goes beyond ‘distributing’ information technology in the environment. It aims at creating interactive physical-digital products that play a functional role (i.e. become part of) a person’s embodied being-in-the-world, involving a person’s identity. It does so by utilizing existing structure and by supporting action-perception couplings, reflection in- and on action and autonomy in social coordination. EF opens up an alternative design space holding the promise of a more successful appropriation of interactive (assistive) products into people’s everyday lives.