to Artful Design • Chapter 5: “Interface Design”
Ningxin Zhang.
[10/27/2024]
Music 256A / CS476a, Stanford University
From this week's reading, I'd like to respond to Artful Design Principle 5.2, which states:
Principle 5.2: There is An Aesthetic to Interaction
This principle highlights the critical role of interface design in shaping human experiences, emphasizing that every interaction leaves a lasting impression—what the text calls a "consequence of experience" or "flavor to the encounter." Seamless design definitely fosters a sense of immersion, making users feel as though the interface becomes an extension of themselves. A very interesting interaction industrial design I've seen recently is Bang & Olufsen's Beosound Edge speaker. This minimalist speaker is shaped like a large coin and responds to touch and physical movement. Users gently roll the speaker back and forth to adjust the volume, making the interaction feel organic and intuitive. This unique design shifts volume control from an abstract button press into an intimate haptic experience (especially for people who don't know much about sensors (which are the internal mechanics); it feels like they are touching the sound through this medium!).
Besides, I want to respond to Artful Design Principles 5.4, which states:
Principle 5.2: Bodies Matter!
This principle made me recall the hip-hop performance gloves Spark and I made in the Physical Interaction Design class this spring. They were all about using hand (accelerometer) and finger movements (with stretchy conductive rubber) to control vocal processing and neon-pixel effects. It felt like we built an invisible bridge between fingers and voice. It was such a fun experience to see how hand movement could sculpt sound in various ways.
I also want to respond to Principle 5.16, which states:
Principle 5.2: Everyday Objects Suggest Amusing Controllers
Just like Professor Perry Cook's COFFEEMUG, those we interact with casually or without much thought—can be reimagined as creative, playful, and functional musical controllers. The goal here isn’t just about efficiency or utility but about finding joy and inspiration in transforming ordinary things into tools for expression. I also remember how we used Makey Makey and bananas to make synthesizers. Who would refuse to play with such an instrument:)?
Lastly, I want to respond to Principle 5.18, which states:
Principle 5.18: Re-Mutualize! Input + Output + Human
This principle emphasizes a holistic approach to interface design, urging designers to treat input, output, and human engagement as interconnected elements rather than isolated components. Inputs aren't just functional; they need to feel natural and intuitive, complementing the experience and haptic feedback provided to the user. There should be a cycle between input and feel, and then the output should be connected to create a consistent experience. The presence should also be meaningful and resonate with the user. In that way, all elements contribute together beautifully to shape the user's experience.