InstInt

Abstract

As interaction moves away from the screen into physical space, research on design techniques and practices is of central importance to cope with novel interaction possibilities. Participatory approaches are a viable strategy for the design of ubiquitous systems, however, going beyond early design phases is usually a challenge. In this work, we propose a design process that integrates technical and creative abilities of participants, promoting a more holistic involvement in the co-design of interactive artefacts. The design process is illustrated in the InstInt case study. We detail the co-design process, from ideation to construction, of a small-scale interactive installation for public spaces. This process was conducted with Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) students. Results of the study indicate that participation reached the physical prototyping stages of design and the final artefact emerged from the materialisation of participants' different ideas and purposes, illustrating what we call a socioenactive design process. Our design process can be useful for HCI educators and practitioners seeking for new activities and approaches for open-ended scenarios.