Designing for human performance: the case for in-bodied interaction
at UX Brighton 2013
Type
talk
Most digital products treat people as neck-up operators parked in chairs while the brain talks to a screen. m.c. schraefel makes the case for in-bodied interaction: designing with the brain-body system as one complex whole so interactive technology supports human performance, wellbeing, creativity and quality of life — not just screen tasks. From recent research she outlines four design paths/heuristics for human-performance work, asks whether the flood of health apps actually helps and for how long, and invites designers into a global human-performance challenge (push-ups optional).
People
mc schraefel
Methods
Interaction DesignDesigning how people act with a product over time: controls, states, feedback, flows and micro-interactions. Turns goals and constraints into concrete behaviours that feel clear and forgiving, informed by perception, cognition and the physical or digital context of use.
Inclusive DesignInclusive design identifies who an experience excludes and involves people with different abilities and perspectives in shaping it. Start by examining assumptions and mismatches between a person and the product or environment. Work with people who experience those barriers, then explore solutions that address their needs and may benefit others. Use this approach throughout product and service development, including decisions about interaction, communication and participation. Revisit whose perspectives are missing as the design evolves.