Embodying Wind through Flare: How Natural Phenomena Can Contribute to Enriching the Design of Interactive Systems

Abstract

Since the divide between nature and society, humans have objectified nature. This continuing separation has corrupted the relationship with our natural habitat. While various design research projects bring elements of nature into our cultivated environment, most incorporate nature as a separate entity. Although integrative collaborations with nature can be found in interactive projects designed from non-anthropocentric perspectives, they are not specifically aimed to connect humans with nature. We argue that the same forces that shape our natural habitat allow us to be closer to nature and propose the participation of natural phenomena as strong concept for the design of interactive systems. To illustrate this concept, we present Flare, a silk dress embroidered with dandelions made up of LED's which react to wind movements. With Flare as an evocative object, we draw parallels between existing theories and explore opportunities for designers to create interactions which help us to reconnect with nature.