A Process For Applied Critical Design

Tim Devine
Masterarbeit 2010
Interface Cultures Device1 Shifting - shift the behaviour of how a human relates to a device by eitheroccupying it, lowering its level of required or possible engagement or transformingits input or output with a mass produceable accessory. This research takes a critical design approach as defined by Anthony Dunne and Fiona Raby (2005) to explore our evolving interrelationships and interdependencies with devices. Critical design uses speculative design proposals to challenge narrow assumptions, preconceptions and givens about the role products play in everyday life. Accepting that our interrelationships and interdependencies will only intensify as we become more connected to each other and to cyberspace2 through devices, we will require a more intimate and humanly experience of connection.
The architected experience is a primary quality of modern life, prevalent in our home, office, transportation and social environments. Much of this experience is driven by computing and today’s computing is everywhere—but nowhere to be seen. The world is already filled with well over 30 computer chips for every man, woman, and child on the planet (Thackara, 2001).
The internet has shaped and been shaped by four devices since it gained momentum in the 1990s - the mobile/smartphone, portable computer, digital camera and MP3 player3. They have blurred the boundaries between public and private spaces, office and home environments, real and cyberspaces and shifted the value, creation and distribution of media4. Accepting that powerful corporate interests will inevitably drive our experiences with technology serves to motivate the production of accessories that subvert, reinforce, extend, augment or diminish such experiences. By applying the process of Device Shifting, accessories are designed that proffer ludic, poetic and human experiences over function and inherent potential. Opposed to designing entirely new products as critical design, Device Shifting seeks to retain the established interrelationships and interdependencies we already have with devices. Only then is it possible to directly intervene between people and devices - making us think, raising awareness, exposing assumptions, provoking action and sparking debate. Master Thesis Tim Devine 2010.pdf