INTERACTION DESIGN THEORY SEMINAR 5th semester
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Office hours by appointment
Class sessions include a lecture/discussion each take place each Monday from 10.00-12.00 in various classrooms. See calendar for details.
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"Sweet Dreams are Made of This" proposes to dive into the very essence of interaction design agency, ahead of the thesis semester. How does a design project emerges from a particular interest? Should it have an impact? And at what scale? Through a variety of references, we'll address notions of dreams, contribution, position and ownership, especially as they relate to contemporary societal questions. We usually consider that a novel contribution to knowledge has to be read about, dreamed about in a visionary sense, used and related to, through hands on testing, iterations and prototyping at various stages, explored orally and visually, and discussed by peers and tutors. The course is structured around materials discussions showcasing social engagement, activism and aesthetic movements, various assignments such as fictional dream-like scenarios and practical workshop formats.
This course is also a guided exercise in your autonomy to look for relevant references and to integrate them as part of your research endeavour. You should start early with topics of interest for your diploma work, even it is expected that they might evolve or even change completely. In that sense, even if your topic changes, the questions & methods that will be addressed in this class will be valid throughout your diploma work. Different than previous theory classes, with mostly discussions based on readings, this class is a continuous assignment-based exploration of your research engagement. It is required that you follow through and ride the wave.
COURSE OUTLINE
12 sessions structured around 4 sections: the notions of engagement, positioning, research and ownership.
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Journal/Blog 20%
In-class assignments 20%30%
Final Assignment 40%Assignments 30%
Any assignment that remains unfulfilled receives a failing grade.
ASSIGNMENTS
Journal/Blog
A separate 'Journal' is developed by each student that reflects on learnings from the seminar. It should be in the form of an online blog (ie. WordPress, Tumblr or other):
- The journal should be structured in a generally comprehensible manner
- The lecture notes, including annotations, are stored
- Notes, sketches for each lesson should be included as well
Blog links:
- Claudia Buck
- Randy Chen
- Jennifer Duarte
- Fiona Good
- Andrin Gorgi
- Marcial Koch
- Stefan Lustenberger
- Shaën Reinhart
- Dominik Szakacs
- Yi Ju Young
In-class assignments - deliver on the server
- Readings where indicated
- Present a activist's campaign poster
- Present a position pre-1920s
- Present books and artefacts
- Literature review and related work matrix
- 1-page observation essay
- Dream
Final assignments - deliver on the server
Statement of Intent for the BA thesis.
- 2-page essay describing your field of interest, motivation, choice of research method and intended contribution.
See detailed guidelines
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Related Work Visual Map with annotations
- Following your statement, and with your choice of visual representation/metaphor, design a map showcasing where your project is situated among existing projects and references that address similar questions.
Related projects include design and art projects, literature, movies, initiatives, etc.
The projects should be commented within the map or separately (1000 words).
Map can be an online or a print work
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- (in either case, provide a copy in PDF).
COURSE MATERIALS
Readings are made available in the shared IAD server:
BDE_VIAD-MATERIAL/01_VORLESUNGEN & PROJEKTE/18HS/Sem5_SweetDreamsAreMadeOfThis
CALENDAR
Session 01 – 23.09.2019 – What is the Action? - 4.T08
This session is structured in two three parts.
A quick look at the syllabus & assignments.
An initial discussion with students based on reflections from the last two years of studies and how they consider what a contribution is, as they head towards their thesis semester.
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Assignment for the following week: print out a poster of a campaign that contributed to inspire, to bring awareness and to awake individuals and collectivity towards action. Put it on wall and plan to present the core of the contribution for two minutes. Look particularly into student activism throughout history, in various countries.
Session 02 – 30.09.2019 – In Formation Through - 5.F02
First a brief look at the assignments, then through a look at the prefix "inter" that poses the condition for "interaction", we address current notions of intersectionality and queer.
We first will travel through a series of cultural and political protests in order to frame a discussion on the possible roles and failings of the design discipline in light of social engagement.
Materials presented on Anti-Apartheid activism in South Africa, Aaron Swartz, drag culture, representation in pop culture.
Assignment for the following week: Find a manifesto or position in art, craft, technology or science that dates before 1920 and explain what makes it relevant for our time.
Session 03 – 07.10.2019 – Positioning in writing - 7.D04
We'll first look at the material you found, then spend the rest of the session writing about your own positioning.
Assignment for the free flow seminar: Go to the library - either ZHdK or a library of your choice. Browse the aisles -except the design section - without looking for something in particular. Open books that attract you from title, cover, look... Pick 3 books that inspire you and help you think about your thesis project. Bring those 3 books with you to the retreat and present them.
Additionally, bring one object or artefact that also inspire you for your future thesis work.
Session 04-07 – 10-11.10.2019 – Free Flow Seminar
The Free flow seminar will
Please bring 3 books and 3 objectsRetreat - see location in program
Detailed program is indicated in the Free Flow program. This is 2-day deep dive into your research interests and ways to let them flow, in conversation with mentors.
Assignment for the following session: we meet again in one month. During that time, you'll make a detailed literature review of 8 essays (no web articles or entries) that help you advance your research and unpack your topic. By the end of that month, you'll narrow your topic from big overview to 2-3 possible angles - make one paragraph introduction in that sense to your literature review. Additionally, find 8 related projects and make a matrix of them where you situate your own interest. This should keep being developed until the final assignment which is an extension and update of this work. Share on the server.
Session 08 – 11.11.2019 – Introduction to paradigm, methodology and methods
Your position and what you intend to research will influence the selection of the research framework or paradigm. In this block, we will discuss the relationship between paradigm – methodoloy – method in research, because methodological decisions are influenced by the theoretical lenses employed by the researcher. In the introductory first phase, an overview of the heterogeneous field of design research and different “knowledge landscapes” within the field will be given. You should be enabled to have confidence and position your own research framework, but also to develop a greater relational understanding of different methodological approaches.
Niedderer, K., Roworth-Stokes, S. (2007). The Role and Use of Creative Practice in Research and its Contribution to Knowledge. IASDR International Conference 2007. Hong Kong: Hong Kong Polytechnic University. http://www.niedderer.org/knowledge.html
MackenzieMaking Sense - 5.F02
In your studios and theory classes, you have encountered many research methods. In a group discussion, you'll come up with the many different ones and discuss how they have been relevant. Each group will present in class.
In a second individual exercise, you should come up with examples of research questions that are derived directly from the works you created in past classes.
Readings:
Be familiar with some research terminology:
- Mackenzie, N.,Knipe, S. ( 2006). "Research Dilemmas: Paradigms, methods and methodology". Issues in Education Research, 16 (2), 193 – 205. http://www/iier.org.au/iier
Berkel, B. van, Caroline B. (1999). Move: Techniques, Amsterdam: UN Studio & Goose Press.
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Session 09 – 18.11.19 – Workshop I: From Research Topic to Research Angle to Research Question
First of all, we will define a topic together in the class. In this workshop we will form groups and use a concept map to make a list of key terms associated with your research topic, these can be key concepts, contextual and process-oriented terms. From there we will move on from research topic to developing a research angle. In an iterative process, we will use insights from personal experience , of related work, background research , observations , contemporary issues , engagement with the literature, dialogue, … to clarify the focus of your research. From developing a research angle, we will move on to develop several research questions in an iterative process of question formation and will discuss the importance and role of prototyping - so to speak learning by doing - as an iterative process at all stages of your research. Your question (s) will change and be refined as you project develops, which is all part of the process, but will help you to clarify your research direction.
Poggenpohl, S.H. (2000) Constructing knowledge of design, part 2: Questions – an approach to design research. Proceedings of the Conference Doctoral Education in Design: Foundations for the Future. Staffordshire University Press. Stoke-on-Trent. 2000. pp143 – 151.
Assignment after Session 6:
Analysis of two research methods
For this assignment you are asked to identify two research methods that you think will be relevant to you. Write a short essay describing what these methods are generally used for, their intended purpose and the various stages or processes they entail. You may want to identify the range of methods you initially considered and briefly discuss why you selected the two particular methods you are analyzing for the assignment. Where relevant compare these two methods in terms of their purposes and approach. Please identify why and how you think these methods could be useful in the future of following your BA thesis.
This assignment is to be presented as a short essay (max 2pages, approx. 800-1000 words statement). It may include diagrams and examples. Make sure you include a reference list of all texts you refer to at the end of the essay. Please use APA or other citation system.
The assignment will be assessed in terms of the quality of the information gathered and presented; the level of understanding of methodological application demonstrated in the essay, the relevance of approach to your project and the standard and clarity of communication. Please get someone to proof read your assignment if you are not confident with writing.
The focus of this assignment is on specific methods but you can discuss these methods in relation to their broader methodological frameworks if you think this is relevant. Please be mindful that there is a wide range of approaches available to you and that you might consider more formal research methods (like interviews or surveys) and/or design led methods like material probes, prototyping etc, - participatory methods, ideation methods, or more informal approaches. Please send your assignment by 19.11.2018 via email to verena.ziegler@zhdk.ch.
Session 10 – 25.11.2018 – Workshop II: From Reality to Fiction …
The second part of the workshop takes your research topic from reality to fiction. When we have gone through this process, you will have gained a big collection of ideas and examples. Analyse and redevelop them until satisfied with the result and compare it to your initial research questions. The findings should be set out in writing and will then inform next stages of the research process.
Adaption: Does your research direction and questions have references to other topics, what can be emulated, or does it point to other alternatives? What could be modified? What could be reconfigured?
Zimmermann J., Forlizzi J., (2014) Research Through Design in HCI, J.S. Olson and W.A. Kellogg (eds.), Ways of Knowing in HCI, DOI 10.1007/978-1-4939-0378-8_8, © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2014, http://www.uio.no/studier/emner/matnat/ifi/INF5591/h15/Literature/resdeszimmer.pdf
Assignment:
Please choose 3 references from the list Literature Interaction Design and read them during the reading week.
Additionally: Design Theory Readings (we encourage you to read those references during the whole theory seminar ;) )
In brief, qualitative research:
- 'An Introduction to Qualitative Research' prepared by Christina Hughes, Department of Sociology, University of Warwick.
Look at examples of research & design in HCI:
- Zimmermann J., Forlizzi J. 2014. "Research Through Design in HCI" in J.S. Olson and W.A. Kellogg (eds.), Ways of Knowing in HCI, Springer Science+Business Media, New York.
Learning by doing:
- Tin, Mikkel B. 2013. "Manifesto: Making and the Sense it makes". In Studies in Material Thinking. Vol.9 Inside Making.
Assignment for the following week: do an observation of a situation that you want to tackle, and if applicable meet and interview the people involved. Present the results in a short essay with visuals (max. 1-2 pages). Publish in your blog and share on the server.
Session 09 – 18.11.19 – Playful Research - 5.F02
So far in this process, you should have gained a large collection of ideas and examples. How do you relate to them?
How will you investigate your research questions?
This class' readings are 3 examples of conducting, structuring and presenting research. Find 2 more examples.
We'll also review together the diploma thesis structure and look at some tools for research.
Readings:
Gaver, W., Dunne A, Pacenti E. 1999.: "The Presence Project (", in RCA, Journal Interactions, Volume 6, Issue 1, Jan./Feb. 1999)View file
Jarvis, N., Cameron, D., Boucher, A. 2012.: Attention To Detail: Annotations of a design process. pp. 11-20. (2012) [Article]
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Gaver, W. 2011. : "Making spaces: How design workbooks work, Conference: Proceedings of the International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, CHI 2011, Vancouver, BC, Canada, (May 7-12, 2011)
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Eco, U., Farina, C., Farina, G., & Erspamer, F. (2015). NOTES. In How to Write a Thesis (pp. 225-230). MIT Press. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt17kk9g5.14
View file name UmbertoEco-HowtoWriteaThesis-TheMITPress2015 (1).pdf height 250
" in Proceedings of CHI 2011, Vancouver.
Assignment for the following week: dream.
Session 10 – 25.11.2018 – How Far? - 5.H02
Dream it bigger and create an ongoing dialog between what is and what might be. Which aspects could be extended? How could you add something? Make it smaller: What could you leave out? Which aspects could be reduced? How far can you go? What is your ambition? What should you be aware of in terms of responsibility? Do you want the largest audience? Do you want media coverage? Who is your audience?
During class, share your ultimate dream.
We'll also review the final assignment guidelines.
Video and readings:
Being creative with the creative process: watch the Importance of Self-Delusion.
John Thackara. 2006. In the Bubble: Designing in a Complex World. MIT Press. excerpt.
Lilly Irany. 2015. 'Justice for Data Janitors' in PublicBooks.org.
Session 11 – 02.12.2018 – Own It - 3.E03
Going back to the theme of responsibility, we've discussed in past classes the various roles of a designer and entanglements with modes of production and consumption.
Look for instance at the commodity of cotton and its commerce, can your dream be transformed into a nightmare?
In a parallel note, a thesis work has to stand the grounds of an academic endeavour while bringing a unique contribution.
What is truly unique about your contribution?
Exercise-in-class: list where your thesis work is not changing anything.
Readings (Browse through):
Eco, U. 2015. How to Write a Thesis. MIT Press. 1st ed. 1977.
Koskinen, I., Zimmerman, J., Binder, T., Redström, J., & Wensveen, S. ( 2011). Design research through practice: From lab, field, and showroom. San Francisco, CA: Morgan Kaufmann.View file
Session 11 – 02Session 12 – 09.12.2018 – Workshop III – … to Fiction Fiction: Dream it bigger and create an ongoing dialog between what is and what might be. How could things be expanded? Which aspects could be extended? How could you add something? Should you recapitulate anything? Make it smaller: What could you leave out? Which aspects could be reduced? We will 2019 – Re-Positioning - 5.F02
In a loop back to where we started, we'll end this class with a look at impact and contribution, particularly in relation to current societal matters.
How will your topic has shaped itself in the past few months? See where you started and where you're going.
In that political realm of positiong, we'll have a look at the "Center for Political Beauty" https://www.politicalbeauty.de, and how this center develops innovative forms of political activism to provoke, rise awareness and to preserve humanitarianism.
Koskinen, I., Zimmerman, J., Binder, T., Redstrom, J., & Wensveen, S. (2011). Design Research through Practice: From the Lab, Field, and Showroom. Boston: Morgan Kaufmann.
Session 12 – 09.12.2019 – Workshop IV – ... to Transformation
Transformation: How could you change cause and effect? Could you reverse anything? Could you combine some ideas - prototype and iterate them with different methods? Could you mix them up with other contents? Is it possible to combine or split up different components of the service or product you want to create?
Workshop I-IIII Group-Presentations of various approaches in the class
Jonas, W., Zerwas, S., von Anshelm, K., (2015) Transformation Design - Perspectives on a New Design Attitude, Birkhäuser, 978-3-0356-0636-2 November 2015.
Session 10 – 26.11.2018 – Reflections and Learnings from the Workshops
Presentation of assignments and in the class + reflections and learnings on the seminar.
Ownership I: Involvement
Please read and prepare the following material for this session's discussion:
Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life (New York: Random House, 2018), excerpt.
David Graeber, Direct Action: An Ethnography (Oakland, CA: AK Press, 2009), chap 5.
The Yes Men Fix The World, P2P Edition, directed by Andy Bichlbaum, Mike Bonanno and Kurt Engfehr, 2009.
Ownership II: Dedication
Please read and prepare the following material for this session's discussion:
Hans Ulrich Obrist, Thomas Demand, The Conversation Series, vol. 10 (Köln: Walter König, 2007), excerpt.
Paul Cronin, Werner Herzog: A Guide for the Perplexed (London: Faber & Faber, 2014), excerpt.
Additionally, look up some of the work of Thomas Demand and Werner Herzog.
Final Assignment: deadline 12.12.19 - NO extension!
- Statement of Intent for the BA thesis.
2-page essay describing your field of interest, motivation, choice of research method and intended contribution.See detailed guidelines. - Related Work Visual Map with annotations
Following your statement, and with your choice of visual representation/metaphor, design a map showcasing where your project is situated among existing projects and references that address similar questions.
Related projects include design and art projects, literature, movies, initiatives, etc.
The projects should be commented within the map or separately (1000 words).
Map can be an online or a print work.