Spicing It Up: From Ubiquitous Devices to Tangible Things Through Provocation

Abstract

In this pictorial, we conceptualize how modern designs take on the roles of either ‘devices’ or ‘things’ to shape everyday practices in fundamentally different ways. Drawing on Borgmann's device paradigm and provocative design, we visually recount how two designs, starting from the same brief using the same materials ultimately culminate in a ‘device’ and a ‘thing’. As householders embedded the two designs in their sustainable practices, different design qualities emerged. We use these householders’ experiences to discuss how ‘spicing up’ a design process with elements of provocation can help people engage more deeply with environmental challenges.

Topics & Concepts