More-than-Human Game Design: Playing in the Internet of Things Cover Image

More-than-Human Game Design: Playing in the Internet of Things
More-than-Human Game Design: Playing in the Internet of Things

Author(s): Haider Ali Akmal, Paul Coulton
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Fine Arts / Performing Arts, Media studies, Visual Arts, Communication studies, Sociology, Theory of Communication, Sociology of Art
Published by: Univerzita sv. Cyrila a Metoda v Trnave, Fakulta masmediálnej komunikácie
Keywords: board game; design research; game design; internet of things; metaphorism; more-than human;

Summary/Abstract: The design of objects requiring human interaction of ten revolves around methods such as Human Centred Design (HCD). Whilst this is beneficial in many cases, contemporary developments of technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT), which produce assemblages of interactions, lead to the view that human centred approaches can prove problematic leading to the proposal of adopting more-than-human perspectives. This study discusses the creation of a novel board game designed to explore a more-than-human design view for IoT products and services by addressing problematic issues in relation to user data privacy and security within the IoT which arguably arise from the application of traditional HCD approaches. By embracing Object-Oriented Philosophy, The Internet of Things Board Game creates an ontographic mapping of IoT assemblages and illuminates the tiny ontologies of unique interactions occurring within these digital and physical networked spaces. Here the gameplay acts as metaphorism illustrating independent and interdependent relationships between the various ‘things’ in the network. The study illustrate show critical game design can help develop potential new design approaches as well as enabling users to better understand the complex digital/physical assemblages they create when utilising IoT products and services in their everyday lives.

  • Issue Year: 4/2021
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 72-92
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: English
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