From VizBlocks to the Data-Driven Actor

Reimagining an open-ended data physicalisation prototype with a creative business

Conference paper (2023)

Authors

Susan Lechelt The University of Edinburgh
Clare Duffy Civic Digits
E. Morgan The University of Edinburgh
D.S. Murray-Rust Human Information Communication Design - IDE
Bettina Nissen The University of Edinburgh
Research Group
Human Information Communication Design (IDE) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2023 Susan Lechelt, Clare Duffy, E. Morgan, D.S. Murray-Rust, Bettina Nissen
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3544549.3573847
Research through design Design research Data physicalisation Data literacy Industry collaboration
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Published Date

2023

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Department

Human-Centered Design

Research Group

Human Information Communication Design

Abstract

In this case study, we document the process of engaging in an initially unplanned and informal knowledge exchange activity between academic researchers and a local performing arts company. This knowledge exchange activity quickly became a fruitful collaboration during which an academic design research prototype was reimagined as a wholly new product to expand the offering of a creative business. We document the factors that led to the success of this collaboration, reflecting on both features of the collaboration itself and how the design of the initial research prototype configured its repurposing. In terms of the latter, we consider how the original prototype's ambiguity, open-endedness, customisability and flexible assembly afforded its reimagining. Through the case study, we demonstrate that there is much to be gained from facilitating access to research prototypes for small and medium enterprises and supporting them in appropriating these toward their own goals.