Week 1
1/20/2016
Interactive or Reactive?
This week I learned the foundation of what makes interaction design, good design. First, let us begin with the meanings of both interactive and reactive. A reactive behavior works to create a single outcome that does not initiate further exploration. However, interactive behaviors work in exact opposition to reactive behaviors, completing and starting a new cycle.
Next, three main powers that construct the relationship between an object and its user include the Input, processing, and output. These powers are all qualities of reactive design, but once we introduce the fourth power, feedback, the system offers further exploration with an object. The cycle becomes necessary for any interactive behavior, idea, or design.
One Affordance Cube
This week we were given the task to create a cube that had various affordances, such as the ability to move, turn, rub, and squeeze. To make this cube we first started off by understanding the meaning of affordance, signifiers, and constraints. An affordance is what an object can actually do. Signifiers are signals of what can be done. And Constraints are what limit possible actions of an object.
To create the six inch cube I started off with white foam board which I then assembled into its three-dimensional state. Two slots were cut into the base of the cube so that I could establish a concentrated squish-room for the left and right hand panels on the cube. Once I placed cotton balls into the two “squish-room” spaces and covered each with a panel, I was able to squeeze the cube. Next I drew a circle on the two panels, labeling one with an L and one with an R. These letters act as signifiers to identify where to put which hand. Each panel was also adorned with cotton balls so that one could rub the cube. Applied to other faces of the cube were pop-sticks. The sticks direct the user to the main facade of the cube which indicates how to use the cube with signifiers (arrows in this case). For constraints, the cube is constricted by how far it is able to squeeze down.
Does the cube past the affordance test?
Can one move it? Yes. Can one turn it? Yes. Can one rub it? Yes. Can one squeeze it? Yes.
Perfect.