Designing interactive objects through cinematic prototyping

Abstract

This paper introduces Cinematic Prototyping as a new method for designing the precise sensuous and aesthetic flow of product interactions. Having cinematic codes and techniques such as enactment, puppeteering, shot composition and storytelling at its core, Cinematic Prototyping enables the exploration and development of future interactions early in a design process without being restricted
by the limitations of any prototyping technology. As such, it provides designers with ways to fully concentrate on the exact interplay between product and user within a specific context, resulting in believable and engaging scenarios that are rich of expressions and meanings. The main principles of Cinematic Prototyping are presented, followed by a description of its application in a design course.
An example case is used to illustrate its results. The paper concludes with a discussion of its strengths and weaknesses and its potential for improvement.