Exploring Expression of Form, Action and Interaction

Abstract

Abstract:The central theme in Ambient Intelligence is that powerful computation, communication and storage facilities are available, but are invisible. We believe that objects will play an important role as mediators. In order to make models of mediation and to study the mediation of behaviour, traditional modelling techniques, such as foam models, rendering etc. fall short. Although it is easy to make two-dimensional models of screens and front-panels and connect actions to the corresponding buttons, this approach is inadequate for new types of interfaces and behaviouts which are not screen-based. Therefore we have experimented with an approach which we call 4D Sketching. The term 4D refers to the fact that it includes sketching in 3D space with the active behaviour adding a fourth, temporal dimension. We use foam, cardboard, a glue-gun, and other easy-to-use materials for the spatial sketching. We use a microprocessor, servo-motors and sensors to sketch active behaviour. The article describes the underlying philosophy, the technical aspects and a number of experiences gathered so-far, including student work from a project called Semotion.

Playing with Fire: Collaborating through Digital Sketching in a Creative Community

“…Illutron's sketching approach aligns with the concept of "sketching in 4D" (Kyffin et al 2005) which underlines the need to move beyond screen-based interaction into a three-dimensional perspective, a spatial approach to sketching that requires a sensitivity to the forming of the materials itself. Kyffin et al (ibid.…”

“…The key difference between the approach put forward by Kyffin et al (2005) and the approach utilized on the barge lies in the sketching starting point and how the sketching evolves over time. Whereas the members of Illutron brainstorm (in a relatively disorganized way) about new projects, the initial sketching is actually done closer to what Kyffin et al would consider a part of the final phases.…”

“…Thus, the sketching process at Illutron can be understood as a digital extension of Buxton's (2007) sketching user-experience and can be seen as a reversed version of the 4D sketching approach of Kyffin et al (2005); all three of those approaches have similar agendas of gaining a craftsman-like way of exploring the digital materials. As a consequence of Illutron's digital/technical starting point, I argue that it should be considered digital sketching-a technique that resembles traditional sketching techniques, but with a focus on sketching in digital material (Hobye 2014).…”

Designing for the Knowledge Economy: Accelerating Breakthrough Innovation Through Co-creation

“…When designing ecosystems, the traditional design skills (from the industrial and experience paradigm) fall short, as these are focused only on physical product features and so fail to address the temporal and expressive aspects of interactive behavior (Frens et al, 2003;Kyffin et al, 2005). In the knowledge paradigm, designers need to understand complex systems that not only involve products and services, but also several stakeholders, the context of use, and the interaction between all of these elements over time -while knowing that all of these elements can or will change over time.…”

Exploring semantics of movement in context

“…4D-Sketching is a technique developed by Loe Feijs, professor at the TU/e [1]. With 4D-Sketching, one adds the temporal dimension to a mock-up, or a tinkered model.…”