Engaging the General Public in Speculation on Human-Building Interaction Futures at a Pop-up Event: A Design Fiction Approach

Abstract

The blend of novel technologies and built environments gave rise to the emerging field of human-building interaction (HBI) and introduced fresh forms of spatial experience. Civic involvement and engagement are paramount to HBI research and outreach, yet remain under-explored when speculating its future. Additionally, the various forms and functioning of such interfaces remain enigmatic for the general public. To address this disparity, we present our design fiction approach aimed at engaging citizens in speculating on HBI futures at a pop-up event. Through the pop-up format, visitors are initiated to the event's subject matter through an exhibition and then invited to participate in a design fiction activity. We report on our approach through an implemented use case with 26 participants. Based on our learnings from organising, designing, and implementing this approach, we discuss the strengths, opportunities, and limitations of our work for other researchers interested in involving the general public in speculation.