10 November 2006 (week 6)
"Designing the Not-Quite-Yet" was the name of a workshop we ran recently at HCI2006. It looked at ways of engaging the public in digital design decisions, in the context of increasingly complex interactive technology that could impact in domestic, social and political spheres of life. For me, that was part of the beginning of a long process of learning, discussion, sharing and dissemination about how we communicate with the public and improve awareness of the potential of digital networks and the integration of computing into ordinary life. This is an unashamedly political crusade. I want the design of society to be a communal process and that means equipping the members of society with enough confidence, skill and information to participate.
I'd like to use the HCT seminar to continue the dialogue begun with designers, artists and HCI researchers about the means of tackling this programme. I don't propose to speak at length about my work, but to open up these issues to a general discussion of the topic. If you would like to participate, please come along with your ideas and experiences ready.