Bringing Design Patterns to Life: Applying Christopher Alexander’s Theory of Living Structure in HCI

Abstract

As digital technologies increasingly impact humanity, human–computer interaction (HCI) researchers and designers must find ways to create digital experiences that help us feel whole, affirm our lives, and encourage us to care for each other and our planet. The theory of living structure developed by Christopher Alexander is highly relevant to this end. Living structures are those that stir up feelings of wholeness, inspiration and comfort. Alexander’s theory, which he refined empirically with a research team over six decades, demonstrates how to identify, evaluate and generate living structure. This article illustrates how Alexander’s theory of living structure can be applied to digital design. The theory supports and furthers several threads of concern in HCI, including calm technology, value sensitive design, aesthetic interaction, and humanity-centered design. While Alexander is best known for originating the concept of design patterns, his theory of living structure may prove to be a much stronger compass for designing a favorable digital future.