Kurs Beyond the Touchscreen

Sara Mlakar

In this one-day design-focused course, we will expand the interaction design space of HCI. You will be introduced to Odd Interactions, a design approach that recognizes the limits of using only two fingers and a touchscreen for the majority of interactions we have with technology and rather explores some unconventional alternatives. By doing so, Odd Interactions can result in an interaction that is more critical, inclusive, engaging, educational, playful, funny, or anything else yet to be imagined.

The course will consist of a theoretical introduction, including many examples of Odd Interactions, followed by an ideation session where you will develop your own Odd Interactions, which will be prototyped using basic materials such as textiles, cartons, clay, wire, etc. and your own body. We will conclude with a discussion on the potentials and limitations of broadening the interaction design space beyond the touchscreen towards Odd Interactions.

The learning goals are:

• to think more broadly, critically, and inclusively about the interactions we have with technology,
• to learn about the framework of Odd Interactions and how it can help in imagining alternative interactions with technology, and
• to engage in hands-on material prototyping to bring ideas of interaction to life.

We will offer a range of concepts including existing technologies, artifacts, and projects as a starting point for developing Odd Interactions, however, you are also more than welcome to bring your own projects for which you would like to develop an Odd Interaction.