Experiencing interactive ecologies

Abstract

IoT devices can be characterised by complex intertwined interactions between devices, users, and the environment. As these devices become more dynamic and widely connected, designing for such complex ecologies requires a holistic approach with a consideration of diverse perspectives on the interactions between all actants connected to and through these devices. To support designers in this challenge, we propose a design approach that can help them explore the nature of the interactions and connections within this complex interactive ecology. The design approach borrows its underlying design considerations from somaesthetics and post-anthropocentric design to support experiential design exploration. The implemented design approach resulted in a collaborative choreography of interactions among users and devices. The result suggests that the current design approach provided designers with an opportunity to explore, experience, and understand a broader range of perspectives that are essential for designing complex interactive ecologies.