Short answer
Design interactive digital displays not just as screens, but as social hubs that invite and facilitate public participation and connection.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- Summit (Simon Fraser University) (2015)
- Method
- Participant observation and field studies
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Digital displays in public spaces can evolve from passive information channels to dynamic platforms for public interaction by prioritizing social affordances and user engagement. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in Summit (Simon Fraser University). Using Participant observation and field studies, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design interactive digital displays not just as screens, but as social hubs that invite and facilitate public participation and connection.
Interactive Digital Displays: From One-Way Broadcast to Public Engagement
Digital displays in public spaces can evolve from passive information channels to dynamic platforms for public interaction by prioritizing social affordances and user engagement.
Summit (Simon Fraser University) · 2015
Key Findings
- 01Digital displays are predominantly used for one-way communication, limiting their potential.
- 02Interactive screen technology is increasingly available but often underutilized in public spaces.
- 03A 'multisited design' approach can bridge the gap between expert-led design and user-driven appropriation of public technology.
- 04Focusing on social affordances can unlock richer public interactions with digital displays.
Application
Design takeaway
Design interactive digital displays not just as screens, but as social hubs that invite and facilitate public participation and connection.
How to apply
When designing public digital installations, consider how users might interact with the display beyond passive viewing, and incorporate elements that encourage co-creation or shared experiences.
Project actions
- 01When designing a public display, think about how people will use it together.
- 02Observe how people interact with existing public screens to understand their needs and behaviours.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Longitudinal observation period (two years).
- +Focus on real-world usage and user appropriation.
Limitations
It can be challenging to observe and measure genuine public interaction in a controlled way.
Reliability & validity
Reliability could be improved by having multiple observers during participant observation. Validity is strengthened by the long observation period and focus on real-world use.
Think critically
To what extent does the 'poetics of public interaction' truly enhance the functionality of digital displays, or does it risk overcomplicating their primary purpose?
Design Principles
"Design for interaction and social affordance in public digital installations."
Current design practices often treat public digital displays as mere broadcast mediums. By shifting focus to their potential for interaction, designers can create more meaningful and engaging experiences that foster community and participation within urban environments.
What This Means for Your Design
Think of public screens not just as TVs in the street, but as places where people can do things together or share information.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify designing interactive elements for public displays in your project.
- 2.Refer to the concept of 'social affordances' when explaining your design choices for user engagement.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the potential of digital public displays to move beyond one-way communication towards fostering social interaction. By focusing on the 'social affordances' of these displays and employing a 'multisited design' approach, designers can create more engaging and participatory urban experiences, transforming passive screens into active community platforms.
Source
Summit (Simon Fraser University)
Harvesting the Interactive Potential of Digital Displays in Public Space: The Poetics of Public Interaction
journal · 2015
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about interactive digital displays: from one-way broadcast to public engagement?
- Design interactive digital displays not just as screens, but as social hubs that invite and facilitate public participation and connection. Evidence: Summit (Simon Fraser University) (2015).
- Why does "Interactive Digital Displays: From One-Way Broadcast to Public Engagement" matter for design?
- Current design practices often treat public digital displays as mere broadcast mediums. By shifting focus to their potential for interaction, designers can create more meaningful and engaging experiences that foster community and participation within urban environments.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design interactive digital displays not just as screens, but as social hubs that invite and facilitate public participation and connection.
- What were the main findings?
- Digital displays are predominantly used for one-way communication, limiting their potential.. Interactive screen technology is increasingly available but often underutilized in public spaces.. A 'multisited design' approach can bridge the gap between expert-led design and user-driven appropriation of public technology.. Focusing on social affordances can unlock richer public interactions with digital displays.
- What research method was used?
- Participant observation and field studies.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2015 journal from Summit (Simon Fraser University).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing public digital installations, consider how users might interact with the display beyond passive viewing, and incorporate elements that encourage co-creation or shared experiences.
- What are the limitations?
- The study's findings may be specific to the observed urban contexts and types of digital displays.