Wintersemester 2023/2024, BA/MA Produkt-Design eLab , Exzellenzcluster
deLIGHTful interactions | eLAB
Im Rahmen des MoA Design Research Studio-Projekts „deLIGHTful interactions" an der Kunsthochschule Weißensee haben wir uns mit der kulturellen Aneignung von Technologien beschäftigt.
>>>https://delightful.designing-interactions.de
Als Designer:innen agieren wir an einer entscheidenden Schnittstelle zwischen der Bewahrung traditioneller Formen und Rituale auf der einen Seite und Begeisterung für neue Möglichkeiten und Technologien auf der anderen Seite. Am Beispiel von Licht haben wir erforscht, wie sich zivilisatorische Praktiken und Rituale weiterentwickeln, wenn sich die technologischen Rahmenbedingungen verändern. Licht bietet sich als spannendes und vor allem höchst greifbares Thema an, um dieses Spannungsfeld exemplarisch zu beleuchten.
Im Studio-Projekt „deLIGHTful interactions" haben wir mit Licht als aktivem Material gearbeitet und dabei eine breite Palette technologischer Möglichkeiten genutzt, um sinnvolle und genüßliche Interaktionen zu entwickeln. Nutzungskontext, Konzept und Funktionsprinzipien wurden in greifbare Prototypen übersetzt und zu angemessenen Objekt- und Interaktionsqualitäten geformt, sodass neue Rituale entstehen konnten.
Das Projekt schlug eine Brücke zwischen Interaktions- und klassischem Produktdesign, indem UX als Filter für die Konzeptentwicklung diente. Daher haben wir zunächst UX-Methoden erkundet, um Prozesse zu entwickeln und zu visualisieren. In einer Reihe von Workshops haben wir außerdem unsere Fähigkeiten und Kenntnisse in den Bereichen Physical Computing, aktuelle KI-Strategien für das Programmieren (mit ML, GPT), haptische Feedback-Technologien sowie der optischen Interaktion von Licht und Farbe vertieft. Ergebnisse und Erkenntnisse aus diesen Workshops flossen in den Design- und Prototyping-Prozess ein.
Das Studio-Projekt wurde im Rahmen des MoA Design Research Studio durchgeführt und von Prof. Carola Zwick, Simon von Schmude (eLAB) und Olaf Thiele betreut, mit Workshops von Hans Illiger (User Journeys), Janja Maidl (Farben und Licht) und Thomas Müller (haptische Interaktion).
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deLIGHTful interactions | eLab studio project In the MoA Design Research studio project „deLIGHTful interactions“ at Weißensee School of Art and Design we investigated our cultural appropriation of technologies.
As designers we act at a crucial point between the preservation of traditional forms and rituals on the one hand and the enthusiastic embrace of new possibilities and technologies on the other.
Using the example of light, we explored how civilizational practices and rituals evolve when technological conditions change. Light offers itself as an exciting and, above all, highly graspable topic to illuminate this field of tension in an exemplary way. In the studio project „deLIGHTfull interactions“ we worked with light as an active material, having a wide range of technological possibilities at our disposal to develop meaningful and enjoyable interactions. Context of use, concept and functional principles were translated into tangible prototypes and formed into adequate object and interaction qualities, allowing for new rituals to emerge.
The project built a bridge between interaction and classic product design by using UX as the filter for the concept development. We therefore first explored UX methods to develop and visualize processes. In a series of workshops, we also deepened our skills and knowledge in physical computing, current AI strategies for coding (with ML, GPT), haptic feedback technologies and as well as the optical interaction of light and color. Results and learnings of these workshops informed the design and prototyping process.
The studio project was conducted as part of MoA Design Research Studio and supervised by Prof. Carola Zwick, Simon von Schmude (eLAB) and Olaf Thiele with workshops by Hans Illiger (user journeys), Janja Maidl (colors and light) and Thomas Müller (haptic interaction)
<<<https://delightful.designing-interactions.de</span>
Can is a luminaire for the workplace at home, which doubles as an ambient light optimizing limited urban spaces. Instead of a traditional dimmer switch – that has to be tuned every time to create a fitting setting – Can simply has two lighting settings that are triggered through the physical position of the lampshade. The focus is particularly on a robust physical interaction with the lamp controlling the two sophisticated modes through simple hand gestures.
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The handle on the lampshade is the only contact for the user and functions as an intuitive control element. In working mode the lampshade is freely adjustable for various situations providing a bright illumination thus creating ideal working conditions: by pulling the user brings the light towards the work surface with light intensity and temperature being adjusted accordingly.
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Tilting the lampshade backwards into a position above the cylindrical base is creating a tactile and visual feedback but also triggers the change into ambient light mode engulfing the space with a diffused dimmed lighting.
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Can the quality of light be transformed in a fluid and delightful way within one luminaire? After exploring numerous principles of transformation, the pendant lamp diff:o was created, offering two distinct forms of lighting: a direct spotlight and a soft diffused light.
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Switching the direction and quality of light is linked to an intuitive analogue gesture: by pulling the soft textile diffuser, the light source moves from one side of the lamp to the other. The more the fabric is stretched, the brighter the soft light is filling the growing diffuser cone. By reversing the motion, the diffuser transforms back into a flat textile screen pushing the light back into a spot focussing downwards.
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diff:o makes the principles of light diffusion and dimming tangible by creating a delightful way to adjust light in an instant. The principle is shown on a pendant lamp, but diff:o’s concept of light transformation and interaction is suited to branch into a range of luminaires from wall and floor to table lamps.
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Especially during winter when daylight times are decreased and nightfall starts in the middle of the day, we often let darkness stop us from staying outdoors. But let's imagine a delightful interplay with light during these dark days: What better place to play than a playground? Children, in particular, who are full of energy, miss this exercise during the short winter days.
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Swings are characterised by a variety of interactions, such as sitting or jumping on the swing, swinging, swaying, turning and finally getting off the swing! To be attractive after dusk, the SERAJAswing creates light attractions that are influenced by the physical interactions of the children swinging. All these actions are measured by sensors such as the gyroscope. When darkness falls, a coloured light illuminates the ground under the SERAJAswing.
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As you swing, changes in direction and speed cause corresponding changes in colour and brightness, creating a unique light show. This interplay of light is enhanced when several swings are used at the same time, allowing children to create colour harmonies that encourage interaction and creative collaboration. By focusing on the joyful side of darkness, the SERAJAplayground not only extends the use time of urban playgrounds to up to 6 hours per day, but also supports physical and mental health during the dark season and invites everyone to see their urban neighbourhood from a new perspective!
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In a world dominated by overwhelming displays and complex interfaces, "wekker" embodies the simplicity of the morning awakening. The fusion of aesthetics and functionality accentuates the prevailing need for clarity and serenity. Amidst the information deluge, "wekker" consciously adopts a strategy of simplification.
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The soft rotational motion, inspired by winding a clock, facilitates the effortless configuration of sleep duration, measured by hours not minutes. The light projection on the wall, resembling a gently curved sunspot, assures not just a gentle awakening but also imparts a dynamically soothing effect that enhances the user's sense of time. "wekker" heralds the revival of timeless elegance and encourages a mindful morning routine as an antidote to the pervasive overstimulation of contemporary living.
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In a society where every glance at a display promises another distraction, "wekker" extends an invitation to embark on the day in a mentally liberating way.
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Girasole is a kinetic floor lamp emulating the intricate qualities of natural light for indoor spaces. A lot of countries in the northern hemisphere experience harsh winters without many hours of sunlight, depriving their inhabitants from a natural solar rhythm and exposing them to monotone artificial light for prolonged periods of time.
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Girasole references the movement of the sun, its constant changes in color and intensity and the dynamic interplay of the shadows it casts. The lampshade gently rises throughout the day, turning its direction from left to right, while adapting its color and brightness.
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This elegant, almost unnoticeable motion is created by a custom lead screw driving the LED panel along a path up an aluminium tube. The effect of an ever changing natural light setting can be intensified by combining two Girasole similar to the effect of a stereo sound system.
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“Ambo” creates a new interactive experience in everyday spaces: a surface projected in front of the user and intelligent camera tracking technology create an interactive mirror that reflects the user's movements in real time. The special feature lies in the interpretation and distortion of the tracked movements: The smallest movements lead to impressive projection reactions, while larger movements trigger more subtle effects.
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This unique dynamic encourages people to become active, opens up a playing field for creative movements and at the same time promotes awareness of one's own body perception and proprioception. “Ambo” uses or complements the infrastructure provided for lighting, is easy to set up and ready for immediate use. The targeted use of “Ambo” in public corridors and passageways transforms these spaces into fascinating environments. Instead of simply walking through, people are encouraged to become active and interact with the projection.
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The project therefore not only helps to increase physical activity, but also creates an inviting atmosphere in otherwise often overlooked places. “Ambo” removes the boundaries between art, technology and everyday spaces and, at its best, leaves a lasting impact on the perception and use of these environments.
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The intuitive act of pulling an object closer for improved visibility evolved into the central theme of the project, centered around optimizing working spaces. Utilizing a distance sensor, the Twin pair of lamps dynamically adjust their light characteristics according to the position above the work surface, casting a playful yet clear illumination as direct response to the users interactions. Together, these dual lights offer a spectrum of quality ranging from broad diffused lighting to focused spotlights catering to individual preferences in work environments. In a collective arrangement, multiple Twin pairs create the sense of a shared workspace while delineating individual work zones.
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Their distinct light qualities facilitate diverse activities within a fixed space. The straightforward direct interaction concept is supported by the inviting haptics of the textile surfaces ensuring the user maintains full control over the illumination with ease and playfulness during work.
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In a world of digital screens and constant notifications, we’re all too often glued to our phones, spending too much time on social media. ’Pebbles’ creates moments of contemplation and silence by nudging people to step away from their phones. ‘Pebbles’ transforms notifications into subtle and ephemeral light signals projected onto the space around us. The shape, intensity and movement will keep users informed without feeling completely disconnected. It allows the user to decide whether to delay a response or to pick up the phone immediately out of a sense of urgency.
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The calm and abstract forms of information maintain a sense of both control and distance, helping users to truly relax at home. The 'Pebble' hardware has an equally casual character, a soft and flexible shape that can be placed anywhere. Its colour and shape can be manipulated by touch.
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'Light as Material' provides an intervention in public space to serve the well-being and health of urban citizens. It offers an experience impossible to implement on a private scale: a light shower. Inviting and spacious, infusing qualities of a natural environment into everyday working life regardless of season, accessible greenery, and intense schedules. An ideal canvas for implementation is found in the architecture of underground train stations: lacking natural illumination 24/7, lighting contributes crucially to the place's ambiance. As habitation becomes increasingly precarious for many, it promotes social equality by designing public space as beneficial and enjoyable for both those in need of immersion for commuting to work and education, completing daily tasks, and utilizing a city's cultural offerings, and for the privileged, who have both the option to avoid public spaces through individual transportation as well as being able to create private living spaces according to their needs and desires. Thereby, 'Light as Material' aims to contribute to a post-automobile urban future, following the idea that user-friendly design is one of the key factors for the success of sustainable alternatives. Instead of focusing on sacrifice, it aims to offer a delightful experience, not only as the more sustainable but also more attractive option. It responds to findings from the field of neurourbanism by speculatively prototyping an experience meant to lower stress levels and support neurological relief. It references phenomena such as sunlight's changing angle, color, and diffusion throughout the day and further regards the non-static quality of light in a natural environment by including the motif of light falling through leaves. This motif is chosen for its intercultural archetype character as well as its offering properties, which research has found to have a beneficial impact on neurological activity in the human brain: exposure to a natural environment containing repetitive, while alternating structure for as little as 20 minutes has been found to positively impact a person's memory, ability to focus, motivation, and productivity.
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