Building physical props for imagining future recommender systems

We propose the use of physical objects and hypothetical mockups in the conceptual development of algorithms and system functionality. This extends approaches like participatory design beyond the design process of interfaces, but rather allows for imagination of future algorithm functionality and reveals desiderata of systems outside the boundaries of existing systems. We demonstrate this approach using the outcomes of a series of interviews with users in the creative domain, more specifically, music production experts. We show three exemplary props built from cardboard embodying ideas emerged from interview sessions and how these, in turn, inspire conversations on future recommender systems, sound search engines, and sound manipulation interfaces.