One Week in the Future: Previs Design Futuring for HCI Research

Document Title

One Week in the Future: Previs Design Futuring for HCI Research

Document Information

• Subject Area: Previs Design and Futuring in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Keywords: Design Foresight, Prototyping, Previsualization, Medium Fidelity, Human-Computer Interaction Design

Research Background and Problem

• Research Problem: Current HCI research faces challenges in designing methods for future technologies, including the rapid generation of models with sufficient detail to inspire critical discussion, while avoiding the high costs associated with high-fidelity models.
• Significance: Envisioning future technologies is a crucial tool for understanding the societal impacts of technology and identifying potential research directions. However, existing low-fidelity prototypes often lack detail, while high-fidelity prototypes are resource-intensive and less accessible.
• Motivation and Related Work: Inspired by the "previsualization" (previs) techniques used in the film industry, the authors aim to explore the role of medium-fidelity design methods in the rapid design of future interactive systems. This approach bridges the gap between low and high fidelity, offering sufficient visual detail to support interaction design and discussion.

Solution

• Proposed Approach: Leverage "previsualization" techniques from filmmaking to rapidly design and develop medium-fidelity animations within one week, presenting potential scenarios for future HCI systems.
• Innovations:
  • Develop a visual medium-fidelity approach capable of quickly generating highly detailed future technology prototypes at low cost.
  • Combine free assets and open-source tools, such as Blender and SketchFab, to expedite prototype development.
  • Share the final animations on social media to attract diverse discussions and feedback.
• Implementation Steps:
  1. Design Sprint: A one-week collaborative design process involving design teams and researchers, including multiple rounds of concept generation, storyboarding, and animation development:
     • Day 1: Creative brainstorming and sketching.
     • Day 2: Storyboard selection and iteration.
     • Days 3–4: Animation production.
     • Day 5: Animation feedback session and final revisions.
  2. Further develop shared tools (e.g., One Week Futuring Workbook) to support other research teams in conducting similar design activities.
  3. Publish design outcomes on social media platforms to foster broad discussions.

Research Outcomes

• Specific Results:
  • Created various future interaction concept videos across eight design sprint cycles, including mixed reality interaction systems, electronic fashion reactive interfaces, and virtual reality gravity interaction devices.
  • Developed an open toolkit (One Week Futuring Workbook) to provide structured sprint support for other researchers.
• Advantages:
  • Compared to traditional low-fidelity prototyping, this method produces more detailed visual prototypes, better stimulating technological and societal discussions.
  • Compared to high-fidelity prototyping, it significantly reduces resource costs, shortens production cycles, and enhances appeal.
• Experimental Results:
  • The animations published on social media garnered 12,386 views, demonstrating their appeal and potential for sparking discussions.
  • Many researchers noted that these animations could be used to discuss future technologies with stakeholders or inspire creativity in academic or design workshops.
• Limitations:
  • Relies on the availability of pre-existing assets, which may constrain the accuracy and creativity of concepts.
  • The scalability and effectiveness of the method have yet to be validated in other institutions or fields.
• Future Directions:
  • Develop more customized tools to further accelerate the creation of medium-fidelity prototypes.
  • Explore other forms of media, such as interactive virtual environments.
  • Deepen public engagement and feedback mechanisms through social media, making future designs more inclusive.