Exploring Interfaces

Class Notes

Definitions

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

What can an Interface do?

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

-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

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.

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

Possible properties of an Interface

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

(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

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

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

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

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

Context can be the following:

User can be the following:

Instances of different interactions between different users and contexts.

‣ 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

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