Charting Pathways
Charting Pathways for More-than-Human Futures: A Creative Framework for Designer Inner Transformation View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Eva Monestier, Maria Rita Canina
Contemporary technological and environmental disruptions are destabilizing Western ways of being. The Cartesian conception of reality, which separates us from nature, must be reconsidered to challenge the dualistic oppositions - embedded in Western culture - that define the human by negation, counterposing it with what is not human (i.e., other life forms). This anthropocentric worldview fostered a sense of detachment from the more-than-human, which led to the exteriorization of socio-ecological problems. Indeed, the modern promise of linear progress, supported by techno-optimism, frame contemporary issues as external to us and, therefore, technically fixable. However, climate change and other sustainability challenges should be understood as unwitting consequences of the way we live, thus deeply connected to our internal dimensions. Culture shapes how we think and interpret reality. It is, therefore, impelling to acknowledge and deconstruct cultural categories that prevent us from telling different stories and making design enabler of futures that are radically different from the present. For this to occur, a new design mindset to reframe creative action with a planetary futures-driven perspective needs to be cultivated. The research contributes to ongoing debates about the role of design education in addressing these issues proposing a Post-anthropocentric Creative (PaC) Framework developed to support design students in challenging assumptions and imagining futures of multispecies coexistence. The PaC Framework can be metaphorically interpreted as a cartographic tool for designers to navigate the process of inner transformation, guiding them towards a post-anthropocentric creative mindset that fosters worldviews of care for the more-than-human.
Immersive Technologies, Immersive Experiences, and Their Components for Contemporary Designers View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Ozge Kandemir, Celal Murat Kandemir, Gokhan Ulusoy
During the transition to Industry 4.0, technological and societal developments are influencing design domains, therefore designers must learn new skills and competencies in a digitalized world. In a world where digital skills are crucial, creativity and innovation must be harnessed. This study examines immersive technologies and their effects on design. This requires first recognizing the essential properties of these technologies, which are linked to designer activities and approaches (processes, tools, and techniques) and transforming them. VR, AR, MR, and ER technologies revolutionize design activities and offer different contexts for knowledge development and sharing. Immersive technologies usually improve user experiences, encourage collaboration, and boost creativity and engagement, helping the global workforce grow. A comparative analysis of these technologies is needed to understand their potential contributions to design domains. This data was acquired using the PRISMA method, a systematic literature review method. The data has revealed the common traits of immersive technologies, which enable computer-based simulations that combine the real and virtual worlds, as well as their distinct qualities. The literature review defined immersiveness, immersive experiences, and their components, allowing the examination of inputs that enable technology-based immersive experiences. The top-down study analyzed immersive technologies and their types to determine their practicality in design and their effects on creative processes. The findings offer fresh theory-to-practice insights that help designers adapt to the digital age.
Consumer Design and Computer Mediated Communication: Post Pandemic Preferences View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Isaiah DeMarco
This study explores the convergence of consumer facing design principles in computer mediated communication (CMC) as compared to face-to-face (FtF) relational marketing designs. Specifically, the usefulness of CMC design during the aftereffects of a health pandemic in the United States. Attention is directed to the limited amount of prior research and the need for newly generated quantitative scholarship. Hypotheses were developed after a review of existing literature, and identification of research gaps. The foremost research focus of this study was on demographical variable intrusion in consumer design practices. Results indicated significance among demographic variables, with one hypothesis showing significance among levels of self-reported consumer innovativeness and attraction to CMC design. Limitations and implications for the results and timeliness of the study are discussed before a conclusion is offered.
Using EEG to Assess Cognitive Load in Infinite Interfaces: A Case Study View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Anastasiia Satarenko
In the realm of Human-Computer Interaction, cognitive load plays a crucial role in determining user satisfaction, product acquisition, and user retention. We are introducing a new type of interface - Infinite Interfaces, that dynamically adapts to user inputs and, therefore, offers personalized and efficient user experiences. However, the novelty of such interfaces may lead to increased cognitive effort, as most users are accustomed to traditional predetermined interfaces. This study evaluates the cognitive load associated with Infinite Interfaces using two approaches: subjective user ratings, which are simple and accessible, and EEG technology, providing an objective measure. The research compares cognitive load in Infinite Interfaces versus traditional interfaces, using both methods to identify any similarities or differences in the results. Results indicate that while novel interfaces like Infinite Interfaces initially induce higher cognitive load, they offer long-term potential for improving user efficiency in complex tasks.
