Designing for Constraints

Interaction design and behavior modification

Write a short blog entry about how the interaction design of an everyday device/system affects the behaviour and social patterns of its users. Do you approve of the behavioral patterns that the device imposes? If not, how would you redesign the device towards a healthier user behavior and habit?

Decision making within and for designed systems, specifically how they are used and organized, was easily one of the core reasons of my coming to ITP. After studying traditional graphic design for undergrad, I knew it was important for myself to realize the results of being involved in the process of creating and working consciously. Graphic design didn’t work that way (for me at least): the assembly-line production routine of pumping out temporary websites and logo designs quickly doesn’t have the kind of real-world significance and ramifications I hope to produce with my life and work. But interaction design, user experience, user-centered design - these studied fields that can have blurry definitions at best, have long-standing results.

To pick a singular device/system we could look at the way the public uses electricity and electrical sockets. Perhaps a bit abstract, but when Apple came out with the magnetic power adapter for their laptop series, I think we all had a moment where we thought about how things used to be and sighed relief. Outlets that are in nearly every room, most walls, that connect human bodies to 120 volts of high AC electricity by a simple 3 prongs (USA). The outlet itself is shielded decently, but if we consider the options to connect the device with the power source, we’re leaving huge amounts of space and bare conductive metal exposed. Entire companies have been made because of this flaw to help with child proofing, security, etc. Simply changing the connection to a sliding-to-lock, magnetic, twist, etc. action would instantly change the way we deal with plugs every day. Of course the cost/benefit of trying to implement a new system like this world or country-wide at this point doesn’t make much sense, but it’s a case scenario that can be looked to for pre-consideration. The kind of time and thought that should be put into devices/systems and the way users interact with them, and implications that end up spanning decades and billions of lives.