Tangible social interfaces: critical theory, boundary objects and interdisciplinary design methods

ABSTRACT

The Constructed Narratives project has been designed for use in public spaces where there is the opportunity for individuals and groups of people, who are not acquainted with each other, to encounter the game and subsequently each other. The goal is to provide a platform that supports discourse in environments where "keeping comfortable distance" between oneself and others is the norm. The system framework developed for this project can be applied for use in computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL), and collaborative design activities in the tradition of computer supported collaborative work (CSCW). The current domain explored in the Constructed Narratives project is computer systems designed to enable shared experience through play, or computer supported collaborative play (CSCP). This paper examines the theories that influenced and design methodologies used by an interdisciplinary team of artists, designers and technologists used to develop solutions for multiple wicked design problems that can arise during the development of the system architecture for a tangible social interface.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.m Miscellaneous

Additional Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.5 ARTS AND HUMANITIES
      Subjects: Fine arts

Keywords:
computer supported collaborative play (CSCP), interaction design methods, interactive arts methods, social interfaces, social navigation, tangible social interfaces