Designing User Interfaces with Emerging Technologies

In collaboration with:

Niels van Gils, Tim Muyers & Yinyuan Peng

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The course Designing User Interfaces with Emerging Technologies dives into emerging technologies and materials and how they can be used in real-life design challenges. Through multiple hands-on assignments, we created multiple user interfaces with emerging technologies: Heat-based Actuators, Project Zanzibar, and Multi-Touch Kit. Furthermore, I explored how a new application of electronic muscle stimulation was received by potential users.

Reflection

Often, emerging technologies are very accessible and allow for quick prototyping, making them a great source for experimentation. Furthermore, from our specific design case, I learned that designing with electronic muscle stimulation requires careful ethical considerations. It is critical to respect the users’ agency and it’s the designer’s responsibility to research the user’s needs. It gave me better insight into ways to test how new technology will be perceived and if a design is feasible.