Objects with Influence: Shifting to Thing-Centered Design

I just finished reading Ron Wakkary's book?Things We Could Design .? The book addresses the transformative power of things and nonhuman animals. It has forced me to think deeper about how the ‘things’ in my life modify, or transform my behavior. It got me thinking about how the things and nonhuman animals I interact with daily transform my actions, feelings, and perspectives.

For example, how did I develop a need to read my iPhone's notifications every time I am notified that I have a new one? This behavior has often interrupted moments with friends and family. How come a photo my recently deceased father gave me fills me with warmth every time I see it? And how come my neighbor's dog makes me feel more positive about the rest of my day every time he runs up to greet me?

In, Things We Could Design , Wakkary says we must recognize that profound transformation happens between humans, things, and nonhuman animals in ways we do not fully realize or control.

The implications of this for the practice of design deserve more attention—specifically, in a world where human and nonhuman interactions are increasingly intertwined, we must also reshape our understanding and practice of design. Wakkary concludes that we can no longer focus solely on human-centered design; we must take a design approach that equally values the role and influence of nonhuman entities.

What is 'Thing-Centered' Design?

Thing-centered design is rooted in a view where humans are not the sole focus but rather part of a broader ecosystem that includes things and nonhuman animals. The essence of thing-centered design lies in its shift of focus from a purely human-centric approach to one that equally values the role and influence of nonhuman entities, such as objects, technologies, and environments, in the design process. This approach recognizes that things have agency, narratives, and interactions that significantly impact human experiences.

How is Thing-Centered Design Different from Human-Centered Design?

Human-centered design?focuses on optimizing products and services for human use and satisfaction. As such—it tends to be overly anthropocentric, which can lead to neglecting environmental impacts and the needs of nonhuman entities.

Thing-centered design extends beyond human needs to consider the agency and life of nonhuman entities, like objects, technologies, and environments. It recognizes the interconnectedness and relational dynamics between humans and nonhuman entities.

The Transformative and Relational Nature of Things

One of the key characteristics of 'thing-centered' design is its focus on the transformative nature of things. Things are not passive objects; they actively transform human actions and perceptions.

In design, this transformative aspect of things extends to all actions that constitute us as human beings. Moreover, things are seen as commensurate with being human, influencing who we become and vice versa. Things' transformative and relational nature refers to objects and technologies' dynamic and influential role in shaping human experiences, behaviors, and social interactions.

Thing-centered design highlights things' relational and vital nature, suggesting that things are not just tools but active participants in our lives.

How do Things Influence and Transform Human Behavior?

• Behavior Shaping:?Objects can significantly influence human behavior. For example, the design of a smartphone not only provides communication capabilities but also shapes social behaviors, like the tendency to constantly check for notifications, impacting social interactions and attention spans.
• Cultural Influence:?Objects can embody and transmit cultural values. Consider the traditional Japanese tea set; its design is not just about utility but also about promoting simplicity, harmony, and respect, integral to the Japanese tea ceremony.
• Technological Advancements:?The evolution of things like personal computers has transformed workplaces, education, and entertainment. Each design iteration has brought new ways of working, learning, and playing, from bulky desktops to sleek laptops.

The Nature of Things is Transformational and Relational

The transformative and relational nature of things in design highlights objects and technologies' profound impact on human life. Objects and things are not passive entities but active agents that shape and are shaped by human interactions, cultural contexts, and technological advancements. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for designers creating meaningful, effective, sustainable designs.

What are the Key Transformational and Relational Natures of Things?

• Human-Object Relationships:?The way people relate to objects can be deeply personal. For instance, a cherished piece of jewelry passed down through generations carries emotional value and connects individuals to their family history.
• Object-Object Interactions:?In the Internet of Things (IoT), objects interact, creating a communication network independent of human intervention. A smart home system, where thermostats, lights, and security systems communicate, exemplifies this interconnectedness.
• Objects in Social Contexts:?Objects often mediate social relationships. For example, social media platforms, designed as digital spaces, facilitate connections, conversations, and community building among users across the globe.

Rethinking Design in a More-Than-Human World

The concept of thing-centered design challenges traditional design paradigms that are predominantly human-centered. It invites us to consider the broader implications of our design choices, not just for humans but for the entire ecosystem of entities we interact with. This approach is particularly relevant in technology, where the Internet of Things (IoT) and other digital innovations are becoming increasingly pervasive.

Adopting a thing-centered approach can uncover new insights into our relationship with technology, revealing gaps and opportunities that a purely human-centered approach might overlook. The shift towards thing-centered design represents a significant evolution in design thinking. It encourages designers to consider the complex relationships between humans and nonhuman entities, recognizing things' vital role in our lives.

As we navigate the challenges of designing in a more-than-human world, embracing this approach can lead to more holistic, sustainable, and ethical design practices.

Final Thoughts, and a Request of You

Reframing our design methodologies and taking a thing-centered perspective forces us to recognize that we live in a complex world of interconnected humans and nonhumans. To create positive change, we as designers must expand our focus beyond just human needs to the broader ecosystems we are a part of. Thing-centered design approaches open new possibilities for innovation and help ensure our designs consider the planet and all its inhabitants.

Friends, please read Things We Could Design and then connect with me. I want to hear how you envision integrating thing-centered design into your practice.

#DesignThinking #Innovation #UserExperience #ThingCenteredDesign