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Diagramming Working Field Theories for Design in the HCI Classroom

Bernd Ploderer,J. L. Taylor,Diego Muñoz,Filip Bircanin,M. Brereton

Published 2021 in International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems

ABSTRACT

HCI has historically provided little support for moving from fieldwork insights or theories to design outcomes. Having witnessed many students struggle and then justify their designs with a form of marketing hype, we developed a supporting approach of “field theories”. A field theory is a working theory about salient interactions in a particular domain and sensitizing concepts in order to frame design investigations. It is presented visually in a field theory diagram to support succinct communication and critique. Studying use of design prototypes that have been informed by a field theory helps to reflect upon and refine the theory. In this paper we present examples from our HCI classes and reflections based on interviews with students. We discuss how field theories offer an orientation in the spirit of a ‘bricoleur’ who harnesses elements of theory and practice to produce deeper understandings and more fitting outcomes for the task at hand.

PUBLICATION RECORD

  • Publication year

    2021

  • Venue

    International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems

  • Publication date

    2021-05-06

  • Fields of study

    Computer Science, Education

  • Identifiers
    DOI 10.1145/3411764.3445414
  • External record

    Open on Semantic Scholar

  • Source metadata

    Semantic Scholar

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