Augmenting refrigerator magnets: Why less is sometimes more

Alex S. Taylor*, Laurel Swan, Rachel Eardley, Abigail Sellen, Steve Hodges, Kenz Wood

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper we present a number of augmented refrigerator magnet concepts. The concepts are shown to be derived from previous research into the everyday use of fridge surfaces. Three broadly encompassing practices have been addressed through the concepts: (i) organization/planning in households; (ii) reminding; and (iii) methods household members use to assign ownership to particular tasks, activities and artifacts. Particular emphasis is given to a design approach that aims to build on the simplicity of magnets so that each of the concepts offers a basic, simple to operate function. The concepts, and our use of what we call this less is more design sensibility are examined using a low-fidelity prototyping exercise. The results of this preliminary work suggest that the concepts have the potential to be easily incorporated into household routines and that the design of simple functioning devices lends itself to this.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationACM International Conference Proceeding Series - NordiCHI 2006
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 4th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction - Changing Roles
Pages115-124
Number of pages10
Volume189
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2006
EventNordiCHI 2006: 4th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction - Changing Roles - Oslo, Norway
Duration: 14 Oct 200618 Oct 2006

Conference

ConferenceNordiCHI 2006: 4th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction - Changing Roles
Country/TerritoryNorway
CityOslo
Period14/10/0618/10/06

Keywords

  • Design
  • Ethnography
  • Fridge surfaces
  • Home life
  • Magnets

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