This paper describes the principles, methods and strategies for the design of everyday objects that embody data – or Data Objects. The work presented in the paper connects the fields of industrial design and data physicalisation to introduce the concept of using data as a design material. To support the
creative synthesis of Data Objects the paper provides a literature review, methods and guidance on the creation of Data Objects alongside examples - and possible opportunities, challenges, and future scenarios - for the practice, use and the study of Data Objects.
Keywords: Big Data; Design Principles; Design Methods; Speculative Design; Design Activism.
1. Data Objects: Design principles
for data physicalisation
R. Sosa, V. Gerrard, A. Esparza, R. Torres and R. Napper
Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand & Monash University, Australia
ricardo.sosa@monash.edu
International Design Conference 2018 :: D316
https://doi.org/10.21278/idc.2018.0125
2. TL;DR
Data Objects:
Everyday objects that embody data
Data as a design material
A literature review, principles, methods & case study
Opportunities, challenges, and future scenarios
ricardo.sosa@monash.edu
10. Data Objects:
morphology
and/or functions
are data-driven
The artefact’s
defining attributes
are derived from
and connected to
quantitative data
http://dataphys.org
http://dataphys.org
11. r/LifeProTips
Design Principles for Data Objects:
1: Data as a new type of design material
2: Design for access and interpretation
3: Design for cognitive and emotional engagement
4: Design for empowerment and action
Design principles (Martin and Hanington, 2012) and data visualisation principles (Tufte, 1990, 2001; Kostelnick, 2008)
12. r/LifeProTips
Design Methods for Data Objects:
I. Data-to-Object: the source data guide the design
process
II. Object-to-Data: the target object guides the
design process
ricardo.sosa@monash.edu
14. r/Design
This Table is Occupied: the richest 20% owns 82.7% of global wealth while 80% only
17.3%. This table seats 5 people – each representing 20% of the global population. One
person enjoys 82.7% of table surface area while the remaining five only access 17.3%
15. r/Design
This Table is Occupied: If the table is flipped over, the distribution of table surface is the
same for each person. The difficult activity of flipping a concrete table represents the
difficult task of flipping current economic systems
16. r/esist
Design Objects for Design Activism (DOxDA)
To re-frame and expose significant issues through
verifiable, accurate, and tangible data.
To increase the impact of making information
comprehensible to wide groups of people.
Fuad-Luke, 2013; Thorpe, 2012; Bjögvinsson et al., 2012; Meadows, 1997