Research through Design
Research through Design (RtD) employs the methods and processes of design practice to explore possible futures. It operationalizes design thinking and problem reframing to create new knowledge. Instead of reacting to sudden, technical advances, RtD explores possible futures to more effectively inform where we want emerging technology to take society.
This research approach complements science, engineering, and the humanities by asking research questions about what could and should be. Research projects both critique current technology trajectories and produce visions of preferred futures. RtD centers speculation and the construction of possible futures to gain insights and a felt understanding of the future. This research approach is especially useful for working on wicked social problems and for problematic situations where we know we do not know what would be good.
Students who want to learn more about design in HCI might be interested in the following course:
Conversation With the Immaterial Material of Software
PROJECTDesigners creatively investigate many possible solution by engaging in reflective conversations with materials. For example, industrial designers sketch w...
DigitalSelf
PROJECTThis project explores product opportunities for scaffolding the social role transition experienced by teens as they shed their high school identities and ...
The Hug
PROJECTThe Hug, a soft, huggable robot that uses sensing technology and wireless telephony, was designed to provide social and emotional support for elders who l...
The Product Ecology Theory
PROJECTThe product ecology is a way to understand and design for different social relationships and experiences that people develop with intelligent products....
User-Constructed Workflows
PROJECTThis project develops mixed-initiative interfaces designed to allow administrators to construct their own workflows and train agents to perform mundane da...
The SenseChair
PROJECTThe SenseChair provides comfort and support for elders who spend long periods of time seated in the same chair, restoring independence and dignity to the ...