Data Probes: Reflecting on Connected Devices with Technology-Mediated Probes

Nick Taylor, David Chatting, Jon Rogers

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    Abstract

    We introduce Data Probes, technology-mediated probes designed to reveal some of the inner workings of connected devices, including common embedded sensors and the data they collect. By making these common features both accessible and unfamiliar, the probes supported research participants in looking at these technologies from a different perspective and reflecting on capabilities and behaviours that may be obscured by the design of commercial products. During a study where participants lived and travelled with the probes for a month, we were able to gain generative design insights into people’s attitudes towards and relationships with connected devices, suggesting new opportunities for designs that take alternative approaches to currently entrenched visions of the Internet of Things. We present this exploratory study as an illustration of how a technology-mediated probe might prompt reflection on their technologies and open up new design spaces.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationTEI '24
    Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the Eighteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction
    Place of PublicationNew York
    PublisherACM
    Pages1–13
    Number of pages13
    ISBN (Electronic)9798400704024
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 11 Feb 2024
    Event18th International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, TEI 2024 - Cork, Ireland
    Duration: 11 Feb 202414 Feb 2024
    https://tei.acm.org/2024/

    Conference

    Conference18th International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, TEI 2024
    Country/TerritoryIreland
    CityCork
    Period11/02/2414/02/24
    Internet address

    Keywords

    • Internet of Things
    • Probes
    • connected devices
    • design research
    • research through design.

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