The Umwelt-sketch as More-than-human Design Methodology
Bert De Roo, Giliam Antonie Ganzevles
Abstract
Human-centered design (HCD) shaped our thinking for the past decade. However, this methodology risks negating non-human actors in design proposals. The current theoretical discourse in HCI questions this anthropocentric worldview and explores the potentialities of incorporating more-than-human perspectives in design processes. Yet, we have relatively few concrete methods for engaging with more-than-human actors and decentering human perspectives. Therefore, we propose a methodology beyond HCD to explore “more-than-human” perspectives in design. This methodology utilises Uexküll's concept of “Umwelt” as a guiding notion and integrates it into a methodology where creatively visualising overlapping Umwelts lead to moments of decentering. By doing so, we aim to transform design processes to create more inclusive and sustainable design interventions which consider our interconnectedness with the more-than-human world and the consequences for our planet.