Data-objects: databronze
Date
2013
Authors
Gwilt, I.
O'Dubhghaill, C.
Sano, K.
Editors
Wallace, J.
Yee, J.
Durrant, A.
Yee, J.
Durrant, A.
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
Praxis + Poetics: Research Through Design 2013 Conference Proceedings, 2013 / Wallace, J., Yee, J., Durrant, A. (ed./s), pp.7-10
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Praxis + Poetics: 2013 Research Through Design Conference (3 Sep 2013 - 5 Sep 2013 : Newcastle upon Tyne & Gateshead, UK)
Abstract
The artifact databronze is a product of a practice-led research methodology that explores the representation of complex statistical information through the construction of physical, three-dimensional objects. The research project (data-objects) asks the following three questions, first: can the creation of physical artifacts based on data from scientific sources change the way we read, interpret and respond to complex information. Second: can data informed objects offer new insight to people outside of the scientific community who do not typically work with or read statistical lists or graphs. And third: what qualities/ traits can we capitalize when moving information between digital/ material environments.
The databronze object discussed in this paper is the latest artifact to be created under the data-objects project (Gwilt, 2012) with the specific intention of investigating the influence of material choices on the understanding of information represented as a physical object.
In this study we worked with packaging engineers who supplied data (based on information gathered in a series of scientific bench tests) on the ability of older people to open the lids on ordinary domestic packaging. We then worked with creative practitioners to design objects that represented this data in different ways. Craft making techniques using a range of materials and digitally based processes, such as 3D printing technologies were explored. The intended outcome of these creative activities was to make a series of object prototypes that could be tested in terms of how they communicated the embedded data. In a user-testing exercise, we asked a variety of people to interact with the objects and discuss which objects they thought helped in the comprehension of the original information and why.