Designing with the Body - Somaesthetic Interaction Design

Kristina Höök – School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH

We are at a watershed moment where our relationship to technology is about to undergo a dramatic and irreversible shift. With the rise of ubiquitous technology, data-driven design and the Internet of Things, our interactions and our interfaces with technology will look radically different in the years ahead. A qualitative shift is required in our design methods, from a predominantly symbolic, language-oriented design stance, to an experiential, felt, aesthetic stance permeating the whole design and use cycle. I will discuss soma design — a process that allows designers to ‘examine’ and improve on connections between sensation, feeling, emotion, subjective understanding and values.