Concept-Driven Interaction Design

Designing interactive systems is often, but not always about designing for efficiency in a user-centered manner.

In this course, we explore theories and alternative approaches to interaction design as a complement to user-centered design. We acknowledge the need to design for efficiency, but aim instead for playfulness, criticism, embodiment or various emotions, e.g. fear, joy, comfort, all of which are supported by the conceptual framing of the design (what we call a design program).

Together, we look closer at different fringe theories within interaction design, and discuss and practice how to design with them through the analysis and development of design concepts. We do this through group work, and finally in an individual project picked by each student in connection to a particular theory (or design program) also of their choosing.

After the course students should have a clear idea of some conceptual and aesthetic ideals and how to design according to them, giving a valid design rationale.

Content includes, but is not limited to:

• What concept driven design means and how we can design with a concept as the main motivator.
• Fringe theories and methods in interaction design and how they relate to and complement more widespread approaches.
• Analysis of the concepts behind interactive systems of artefacts.