Making Digital Interface “Beautiful Everyday Items”
Hello, I’m Munehiko Sato, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction. Currently, I’m engaged in R&D and product development at a Calm Tech startup in Kyoto, mui Lab.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked as a researcher at universities in Japan and the United States and have been involved in R&D and product development at companies like Google ATAP and Disney Research. With the experiences gained and insights from daily product development, I aim to initiate discussions with a wider audience on the future role of technology. Specifically, I am interested in how digital technology can enhance human lives and societies and contribute to making people’s lives better.
Research Focus — The Relationship between “User,” “Computer,” and “Environment”
In the field of Human-Computer Interaction, there is often a focus on the relationship between the “user” (human) and the “computer” (digital technology). Here, the emphasis is primarily on tasks that computers excel at, such as computation and efficiency.
I place importance on introducing a third element, the “environment,” into this relationship. In this context, “environment” refers to a broad context that includes culture and contexts. My interest extends beyond the realm of computation and efficiency, which computers naturally excel at, to how people position computers in their lives and creates culture around them.
Specifically, I am interested in questions such as “How do the ‘user’ and the ‘computer’ interact in real-life spaces with embodiment?” and “How does the ‘user’ perceive the ‘environment’ and the ‘computer,’ and how is this information received in our cosciouness?” To explore these aspects, I am engaged in research, conceptualization, and practical work, including installation exhibits and product development.
Aiming for Making Digital Interface “Beautiful Everyday Items”
I believe that digital interfaces have the potential to become “beautiful everyday items” that, in turn, can contribute to the creation of new lifestyles and culture. Reflecting on human history, architecture and fashion transitioned from serving functional purposes of protecting the body from harsh nature to providing artistic value and avenues for self-expression. Similarly, I see the potential for computers to undergo a similar transformation. However, current conveniences offered by technologies like TVs and smartphones, while functionally valuable, pose challenges with information overload and excessive attention-grabbing, hindering a more human-like lifestyle.
The product that becomes the “norms = archetype” for the future interface
Throughout history, various trial and error processes have been undertaken for new technology to permeate daily life. For instance, when the new technology of incandescent light bulbs was born, it took 30 to 50 years for widespread integration into living spaces.
I would like to introduce the details on another occasion, but products like those introduced by Le Klint and Louis Poulsen, which created lighting integrating incandescent bulbs into living spaces and bringing beautiful shadows, became the norms (= archetypes) for subsequent lighting design.
To facilitate the widespread acceptance of digital technology for everyday life, I believe such “archetypes” are necessary. I have been working daily, hoping to realize these prototypes as products, with the ultimate goal of spreading a more comfortable relationship between people and technology in the world.
I believe that the mui Board serves as the initial prototype embodying Calm Technology and Ambient Interface into our living spaces.
If you resonate with this perspective, mui Lab has launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. I would appreciate you if check the campaign page out and learn more about the story behind the product: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/muim2/mui-board-gen-2
I look forward to deepening and expanding these ideas through discussions and explorations with many individuals who share similar interests.
Contact:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MuneSato
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/munehikosato
Munehiko Sato (@MuneSato) Specializing in Human-Computer Interaction, I worked as a researcher at MIT Media Lab and Disney Research. Following R&D role in smart garment product development at Googel ATAP Project Jacquard, I joined mui Lab in 2019. Currently, I lead R&D, IP strategies, Matter objectives, and the product management of mui Board Gen 2. I’m also a visiting researcher at the University of Tokyo, where I also received PhD in Engineering.
Website: https://satomunehiko.com/
