Distilling, Adapting and Translating:
Inherited from my architectural education, I have a knack and affection for conceptual "distilling" – an ability to transform, filter and simplify ideas and information into a more approachable form. This began as a manual process involving crafting words or graphics, but has now also expanded to also involve automated techniques, including tool like machine learning (especially text mining) and artificial intelligence. It also means that I serve as a useful “adaptor” between disciplines and perspectives, whether I am translating between designer and computer scientist or companies and users. Examples from my work: Metafeed; all architecture work (site analysis, representation, presentation)
Navigating Information and Data-as-Interface:
A static presentation of information is ephemeral and often only momentarily useful. There is huge need for “distillation” methods to be applied to information dynamically – as interface – to help manage the contemporary issue of overwhelming access to content. Although information interfaces already exist, (typically in the form of the gluttonous “feed”), they are often poorly managed, as illustrated by the current controversy around facebook’s role in political discourse. Criticism often falls on the algorithms rather than the presentation itself. Although, of course both are incredibly important, I feel strongly that there is a need for a more serious study of Human-Data Interaction. Examples from my work: Metafeed; work at Dexibit.
Attention and Controlling Focus:
I believe that in the act of creating a new tool, we need to realize what perspective and focus we are presenting to the user, and approach it in a responsible manner. There is potential for design to be more closely influenced by research in behavioral neuroscience. For example, going back to the “feed” approach to content, perspective is narrow and focus is disrupted by the collage of posts – what effect does that have on the user, and should the designer approach this with an opinion? Furthermore, this becomes an important consideration with the increasing overlap between digital and physical designs, and the subsequent split in human focus. I personally believe in trying to re-engage bodies in space, and that technology could actually be an ally in this goal. Examples from my work: 25th Hour; Ex-Site Department; circus work.
Transparency:
Clarity and simplicity go beyond simply an aesthetic in my work. In a world increasingly concerned with content-overload as well as corporate and political secrecy and dishonesty, transparency by design has become a political statement. Also, transparency and accessibility are related, as clarity can be achieved on both a cognitive and perceptual level. Through designs of transparently, users are empowered to break through “opaque” or challenging situations. Examples from my work: Audio Game Hub; cosmetic ingredient transparency app.
Neither Physical nor Digital, but Liminal:
I am interested in blurring the lines between physical and digital spheres, and see my “architecture” practice as a trans-spatial one. Furthermore, both realms have a lot to learn from each other, and my work involves applying thinking from across disciplines in surprising ways. Examples from my work: Ex-Site Department; cosmetotextile mask; Digital Cosmetics.