Exploring Interfaces

Class Notes

Interface (dictionary definition)
a device or program enabling a user
to communicate with a computer.
a graphical user interface (GUI).

Interface (another dictionary definition)
interface is a point* where two systems,
subjects, organisations etc. meet and
interact

Definitions

Reminder!

For both the exploration about, and design
of, your interface you’re encouraged to
approach and interpret the notion of what
can be considered an ‘interface’ from
a open and broad perspective.

Possible properties of an Interface

SPATIAL CONTEXTS (WHERE?)
indoors / outdoors
public space / private space
on the body / around the body
wearable / portable

BEHAVIOUR
still / in motion
fixed / dynamic
static / changes over time
gives feedback (reacts)
interactive

(IM)MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS
physical / virtual
material (tangible) / immaterial
solid / ephemeral / fluid
visible / invisible
tiny / huge /
hard / soft / flexible (tactile)
transparent / opaque
spatial(3D) / flat(2D)
screen-based / print-based
human - animal / inanimate object
natural / manmade

What can an Interface do?

-It connects;
different worlds, places, realities, people,
ideas, information, spaces, identities,
cultures, data and much more.

-It can mediate
between one or more ‘users’ and
one or more ‘contexts’

-It can facilitate interactions
between human and machine,
human and human,
human and object etc.

-It can offer access
to information, data, content, ideas,
knowledge and experiences

-It can facilitate exchange
of information, data, content, ideas and
knowledge amongst contexts and users,
contexts and contexts, users and users

-It can influence behaviour
for example by guiding (eg.showing the way),
instructing (eg.how to do/make something),
manipulating (eg.changing points of view)
(mis)informing (eg.educating) the user

Instances of different interactions between different users and contexts.

Context can be the following:

‣ knowledge (understanding
gained thru experience,
learning, practice, frame of
reference).
‣ content
‣ information
‣ body of thought
(e.g. ideas, ideologies,
beliefs).
‣ a human body
‣ a program
(e.g.laws, rules, regulations).
‣ organisation or institution
(e.g. i government, an art
school, ).
‣ culture(e.g.art, music,
design, theatre, literature).
‣ infrastructure
(e.g. the planning of a city,
the organisation of a space).
‣ datasets
‣ collection

User can be the following:

‣ the public
‣ a viewer/spectator
‣ (target) audience
‣ reader
‣ listener
‣ consumer
‣ participant
‣ contributor
‣ prosumer
‣ produser
‣ maker