Design as Knowledge Development Paper - VincentOlislagers - Towards Intuitive Interaction With...

8/2/2019 Design as Knowledge Development Paper - VincentOlislagers - Towards Intuitive Interaction With Everyday Objects

1/6

CHI 2012 User Experience Group http://chi2012.acm.org/com-userexperience.shtml

Towards intuitive interaction with everyday objects

Vincent OlislagersK3, Malm Hgskola

Interaction Design master programme+46-765774843

[email protected]

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates if we can reinterpret andaugment the way we interact with everyday objects inorder to make the interaction more intuitive andexplores ways to rethink, in a broader sense, how weinteract more intuitively and perhaps more joyfullywith the world around us. We evaluate the notion of intuitive interaction in the context of the Convenient

Bicycle , an intelligent bicycle locking mechanismwhich emphasizes the bicycles core quality; to be anunmitigated object for cycling.

Categories and Subject DescriptorsH.1.2 [User/Machine Systems]: HumanFactors; H.5.2 [ Information Interfaces and Presentation ]: User Interfaces, User-centered design;

General Terms Human Factors, Intuitive use, Usability,Experimentation, Aesthetics, Physicality

Keywords Intuitive interaction, interaction modality, tangibleinteraction

1. INTRODUCTIONIn an increasingly complicated world filled withtechnology it seems to have become harder than everto interact with our environment in an unambiguousand logical way. Thackara (2006) argues that the waysin which we interact with modern electronicappliances differ vastly different from the way wehave been traditionally interacting with the worldaround us:

Were filling up the world with amazingdevices and systemson top of the natural andhuman ones that were already hereonly todiscover that these complex systems seem to be

out of control: too complex to understand, letalone to shape, or redirect.(Thackara, 2006, pp. 1)

The state of being in which people are able to interactin an intuitive manner, without being distracted byproblems in the periphery of their attention is called

flow . (Csikszentmihalyi, 1991) Flow yieldsproductivity; to make people more productive andhappy, it behooves us to design interactive products topromote and enhance flow. (Cooper, 2007, pp. 201)

But how can we go towards more productive and

intuitive modes of interaction? In order to answer thiswe have to define what can be perceived intuitiveinteraction behavior. Hurtienne, et al. define a systemas being intuitively usable while the particular user isable to interact effectively, not-consciously usingprevious knowledge. (Hurtienne, et al 2007)

From a more HCI-oriented perspective intuitiveinteraction can be described by classifying five layerson which interaction takes place (Foley & van Dam,1982 and Buxton, 1983), stratified at:

the conceptual level the semantic level the syntactic level the lexical level the pragmatic (physical) level
http://chi2012.acm.org/com-userexperience.shtmlhttp://chi2012.acm.org/com-userexperience.shtmlhttp://chi2012.acm.org/com-userexperience.shtml


2/6


The conceptual level defines the mental model theuser has of the object it is trying to interact with. Itincorporates the main concepts of the system asseen by the user. (Buxton, 1983) The semanticlevel describes the functionality of the object; theinterplay of user input and system feedback. It is ameasure of the freedom of choice the user has intheir interaction with the system. The syntacticallevel holds the grammatical framework for thecreation of interaction tokens (words) used toconstrue semantic concepts. The lexical levelembodies the structure of these tokens, and at thepragmatic level these tokens are made manifestphysically as user actions (e.g. the user inserting hiscredit card in an ATM machine) and system output(e.g. the ATM machine producing bank notes and aprinted receipt)

2. THE CONVENIENT BICYCLEThe Convenient Bicycle was developed as anexperiment aimed at exploring ways to simplify andnaturalize the way we interact with everyday objectsby imbuing them with ubiquitous technology. Theconcept consists of an electronic locking mechanismfixed to the front and back wheels, a microcontrollerand RFID reader integrated in the saddle and a of RFID tags which are used by the owner of the bicycleto authenticate himself.

Figure 1: Still image from the video prototype showing which

The RFID tags are washable and can be placed in theback pocket of the trousers, allowing the user toubiquitously interface with the system. Uponmounting the bicycle the system is ubiquitouslyinformed by the tag that the user is in fact the ownerof the bicycle. When the kick-stand is pulled up, thesystem understands that the user is about to depart andautomatically unlocks both locks, allowing the user tofocus on the journey.

2.1 ResearchThe development of the project consisted of aniterative process in which various research methodswere employed. My initial interest for the subjectsprang from my personal issues with locking mybicycle. This led me to perform a short enquiry with adozen or so acquaintances and colleagues, to see if theproblem was more universal. It turned out that therewas a demand for a different solution when it comesto bicycle security. Through several sketchingiterations I explored the possible use contexts for theconcept which led me to conclude that viable usescenarios would be instances in which the bicyclewould be left unattended for a short amount of time.This would be particularly well suited for short stopsat the grocery store or for professional usage, bypeople delivering goods by bicycle.

Figure 2: Visualization of the various use contexts in whichthe concept might be applicable.

Several criteria for the proposed locking mechanismemerged from a co-design session with Baris Serim (aproduct designer). It became apparent that themechanism should be reliable, light weight, be easy tooperate while wearing gloves, while still allowing theowner to perform actions he would normally he wouldnormally do, like lending his bicycle to a friend. Byperforming several interviews with local cycling

enthusiasts at the living lab Fabriken, it was madeapparent that the core quality of the concept was notrock solid security but that the concept sacrificed ameasure of security in favor of added convenience of use. One suggestion that was made in the interviewswas that by automatically locking the bicycle at bothends it would be impossible for potential thieves tosimply lift one wheel of the ground and drive of withit.


3/6


Figure 1: Prototype of the debit card shaped RFID tag usedto operate the electronic locking system, indicating where thetag should be worn on the body.

Figure 3: Conceptual sketch of the concept depicting theindividual components.

The rough product specification evolved throughseveral design iterations into a system which embodiesRFID (1) technology in the saddle for authenticationand a potentiometer integrated in the joint of the kick stand to inform the system if the bicycle is in use ornot and a pair of shielded solenoid-controlled lockingmodules (4 , 5) on the wheels as actuators. Anotherfeature which could be integrated into the lockingmodules are lights (6) which are activatedautomatically by a light sensor (3) during the nightwhen the bicycle is being used. Finally a semi-working version of the prototype was built.

Figure 4: The main components as used in the ConvenientBicycle prototype, the microcontroller receives input fromthe RFID reader whenever the RFID tag comes close to it.

It proved to be a complex mechanical problem tomake the locking module automated in a way that itwould be tamper-proof, reliable and would still beeasy to affix to the bicycle. For this reason I decidedto only prototype the saddle using an Arduino I/Oboard and an RFID reader, and use simple, exposedsolenoids to simulate the locks. Using the prototype Ithen went on to make a video prototype of the conceptwith two colleagues. When I asked for their reflectionon the topic they informed me that they are convincedthat the concept helps the user to save a lot of time,especially when using the bicycle to visit multipleplaces during the day. They could picture themselvesusing it in an everyday life context if the product waseasy to install and it would cost no more than 500Swedish crowns. One respondent answered that shefavors convenience over security:

Sometimes when I ride my bicycle to the store I dont lock it because I just need to make a quick purchaseand it would actually take more time for me to lock and unlock my bike then it takes me to do theshopping, so I leave it (the bike) unlocked for the sakeof saving time, but still Im a bit worried that it might get stolen. Still I choose to save time and leave thebicycle unlocked while trying to reduce the amount of time I spend in the store to a minimum.

2.2 Drawbacks and considerationsFrom the research it became clear that it is hard tounite convenience and security in a holistic solution.One respondent pointed out that an automated lockingsystem can never be as safe as locking your bicycle toa fixed object using a sturdy chain lock since then thelock would have to be cut in public before the bicyclecould be appropriated. It was also pointed out that thesystem needs to have a failsafe, like a physical key, tounlock the bicycle in case of a malfunction. Onesuggestion which was made that the lighting system,microcontroller and RFID reader could be solarpowered if the bicycle was left outside, or that it couldbe charged by a dynamo. There was also a worry thatthe system might be too heavy to comfortable use, andthat it would require regular maintenance. Theseconsiderations need to be accounted for in the nextdesign iteration.


4/6


2.3 Towards more intuitive modes of interactionThe Convenient Bicycle builds on the notion of flowby eliminating some of the laborious peripheralactivities associated with cycling. On the conceptuallevel the purpose of the Convenient Bicycle is quitestraight forward. The concepts aims to redefine thebicycle as an object exclusively used for (and by)cycling, by omitting the necessity of manually lockingand unlocking.

Attaining this type of interaction modality proves tobe somewhat of a paradox in practice. On the onehand the system has to be ubiquitous enough not tobother the user with the hassle of locking andunlocking the bicycle by hand. On the other hand, itneeds to be clear to the user that, and moreimportantly, when, the bicycle is locked automatically.

This requires the system to visually or audiblycommunicate to the user (and arguably people in thevicinity) that the bicycle is about to be locked orunlocked. Furthermore it should be apparent to theuser that the RFID tag needs to be worn on the body,in the back pocket of the trousers. This might beachieved by designing the tag in the shape of a trouserpocket or other suggestive design choices. For theprototype I used the key card shaped RFID tags whichare made of a hard plastic material. In a real productthese tags would have to be smaller and more flexibleto be comfortable enough to carry around throughout

the day.

Figure 5: Prototype of the debit card shaped RFID tag usedto operate the electronic locking system, indicating where thetag should be worn on the body.

The semantics of the system are as subtle as possible.Simply put: the user uses the bicycle as he would use aregular bicycle, minus all the actions required forlocking it before and after its use. In this sense thesystem tries to blend in with the object while offering

added functionality by adding a layer of protectionagainst thievery. On the syntactical level the systemremoves the burden of the chain of repetitive andarduous user actions that go together with locking thebicycle. No longer is it necessary to find your key,remember the code for your lock, bend over and strainyour back, carry and store away your lock or even takeof your gloves. On the lexical level it is important toconsider not only how the bicycle communicates thatit is locked or not, but that it is equipped with a lock inthe first place. Not only the user should have anunderstanding that the safety of his bicycle is ensured,also passersby should be made aware that the bike isnot just left unlocked up for grabs. It is a challengeto design a system that is aesthetically pleasing, doesnot jump too much to the eye of the user or otherpeople in the vicinity, but still shows that the bicycle isfirmly locked in place. This means that on thepragmatic level the locking modules on each wheelshould hint at their function and their state (locked orunlocked) through their shape or color. Manytraditional locks yield an audible thump uponclosing, affirming that the lock is in fact locked. Thismight be desirable a desirable property as well for theConvenient Bicycle system.

2.4 Examples from the design fieldThe international design and innovation agency IDEOhas a tradition of smart innovation. Whencommissioned to develop a new line of fishing

products for youngsters they discovered that fishingrequires a variety of tools and is not very accessible tobeginners. Kelley (2001, pp. 51) describes:

We went to stores and were struck with thefrustrating complexity of fishing. Everythingwas sold separately: rods, reels, tackle and line.In the old days, Dad could ask the old-timer,behind the counter in the fishing store for helpor information, but that wont work today atWal-Mart.(Kelley, 2001, pp. 51)

IDEO went on to develop a new type of fishing rodwhich had the reel integrated in the handle and heldsupporting gear like lures and bobbers in a connectedstorage compartment, combining all the essentialsneeded for fishing in one convenient item.


5/6


Figure 6: IDEO developed the New Generation Fishing Reelcombo for Berkley Outdoor Products: a low-cost, easy to usealternative to traditional rod-and-reel products whichintegrates rod, reel, bait, tackle and line in one product.

Another example of intuitive low-fi contextualizedinteractivity can be found in some contemporarysnowboard jackets. Nowadays many ski lift systemsemploy an RFID enabled ski pass system whichallows skiers to open the doors of the lift pods byswiping their pass over a sensor. Some of thesnowboard jackets available on the market havespecially designed ski lift pass holders on theirsleeves. These ski lift pass holders, which are smalltransparent plastic pockets sewn into the fabric of oneof the sleeves of the jacket, allow the wearer to placetheir ski lift pass inside. This allows the wearer toeasily and quickly interact with the ski lift systemwithout having to search his pockets or opening his

jacket to find the pass. This wearable interface makessense because its contextualized in a coldenvironment in which the interaction has to occur asquickly as possible (to prevent unnecessary queues).

3. CONSIDERATIONSI have discussed the Convenience Bicycle conceptusing Foley, et al.s (1982) proposed classification of interactivity to delineate the concept functionality on aconceptual, semantic, syntactic, lexical and pragmaticlevel. By evaluating two other projects on intuitiveinteraction I have touched on the potential for intuitiveinterfaces to merit everyday consumer products.Regarding my design process, I have discovered that itis important to do user testing early on in the designprocess to discover the core qualities and theapplicability and feasibility of the concept. Byperforming several user tests and interviews the designfocus of the project shifted from a purely securitybased approach to a more convenience orientedapproach to bicycle usage.


6/6


4. REFERENCES[1] Alan Cooper, 2007. About Face 3: The Essentials

of Interaction Design. 3rd Edition. Wiley.

[2] Anja Naumann, Jrn Hurtienne, Johann Habakuk Israel, Carsten Mohs, Martin Christof Kindsmller, Herbert A. Meyer, and SteffiHusslein. 2007. Intuitive use of user interfaces:defining a vague concept. In Proceedings of the7th international conference on Engineeringpsychology and cognitive ergonomics (EPCE'07),Don Harris (Ed.). Springer-Verlag, Berlin,Heidelberg, 128-136.

[3] Buxton, W. 1983. Lexical and PragmaticConsiderations of Input Structures. ComputerGraphics, 17 (1), (1983) 31-37

[4] Bill Buxton. 1983. LEXICAL ANDPRAGMATIC CONSIDERATIONS OF INPUTSTRUCTURES. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.billbuxton.com/lexical.html.[Accessed 21 November 11].

[5] Foley, J. D. van Dam, A. 1982. Fundamentals of Computer Graphics. Addison-Wesley, Reading,Mass.

[6] John Thackara, 2006. In the Bubble: Designing ina Complex World. The MIT Press

[7] Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, 1991. Flow: ThePsychology of Optimal Experience. First EditionEdition. Harper Perennial.

[8] Tom Kelley, 2001. The Art of Innovation:Lessons in Creativity from IDEO, America'sLeading Design Firm. 1 Edition. Crown Business.

5. IMAGES[1] Vincent Olislagers. (2011). The Convenient

Bicycle - K3 Interaction Design. [Online Video].17 November. Available from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I_Gk0As878.[Accessed: 20 November 2011].

[2] Vincent Olislagers. (2011). The ConvenientBicycle Concept sketch.

[3] Vincent Olislagers. (2011). The ConvenientBicycle Concept sketch.

[4] Vincent Olislagers. (2011). The ConvenientBicycle Prototyping the experiment.

[5] Vincent Olislagers. (2011). The ConvenientBicycle Prototyping the experiment.

[6] IDEO, (1903), New Generation Fishing ReelCombo for Berkley [ONLINE]. Available at:http://www.ideo.com/work/new-generation-fishing-reel-combo [Accessed 20 November 11].

Design as Knowledge Development Paper - VincentOlislagers - Towards Intuitive Interaction With...

Documents

Transcript of Design as Knowledge Development Paper - VincentOlislagers - Towards Intuitive Interaction With...