Mapping the Continuous to the Discrete : Interaction Aesthetics in Complex Products and Systems

This research proposes to explore the consequences of a phenomenological approach on designing for the aesthetics of interaction. Highly complex products in a ‘digital’ world, enlisting complex functions, hierarchies, system architectures, procedures and so on,are designed to be used by humans. We approach designing intelligent systems, products and related services as designing for behaviour for societal transformation. Human-product interaction is essentially about mapping the products or systems to our human capabilities. In our context, it means to map the digital to the continuous. This theory inspired design research project departs from basic principles of phenomenology, and ecological psychology, and investigates its interaction aesthetics and system architectural consequences for designing intelligent products and systems. The research delivers knowledge, methods and tools, which contribute to the general body of knowledge about the relationship between phenomenology, interaction and system design. This is investigated through experiential prototyped hypotheses and explorations placed in context, such as smart environments, and contextual aware systems.