Daily cycles

Abstract

The previous chapter focused on the rhythms of the human body at a micro personal scale. In this chapter, we explore the larger macro rhythms of humans interacting with the people and environments in their everyday life. Our discussion draws inspiration from the design processes of architecture and the sociological method of rhythmanalysis. Both these traditions consider rhythmic experience across multiple scales and perspectives, including the intersection between biological, social and political rhythms within human life. They suggest ways that designers can approach creating applications that carefully consider the impact of interactions across multiple users and their associated networks of friends and family. The two traditions also give us some insight into the types of rhythms that can be created when digital technologies resonate alongside the linear and cyclical rhythms of daily life. An interview with award winning online educational designer Simon McIntyre, Director of Learning and Innovation at the University of New South Wales, Australia, serves as a perfect lead into the exploration of the larger macro rhythms of human interaction. Simon McIntyre has designed for a wide range of online educational contexts and talks about the ways in which rhythms of learning intersect with the rhythms of his student’s everyday lives. Following Simon’s interview, we explore processes for understanding the range and qualities of rhythms involved in everyday life. We then look at the rhythms of digital technologies and how they can intersect with, disrupt, augment or blend with these everyday rhythms. We also consider what it might mean to take on board Simon’s key message—to design interfaces that allow people to interact at their own pace and with their own rhythms.