A set of prominent designers embarked on a research journey to explore aesthetics in movement-based design. Here we unpack one of the design sensitivities unique to our practice: a strong first person perspective-where the movements, somatics and aesthetic sensibilities of the designer, design researcher and user are at the forefront. We present an annotated portfolio of design exemplars and a brief introduction to some of the design methods and theory we use, together substantiating and explaining the first-person perspective. At the same time, we show how this felt dimension, despite its subjective nature, is what provides rigor and structure to our design research. Our aim is to assist researchers in soma-based design and designers wanting to consider the multiple facets when designing for the aesthetics of movement. The applications span a large field of designs, including slow introspective, contemplative interactions, arts, dance, health applications, games, work applications and many others.

Low levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour are a growing health problem globally. Physical inactivity is associated with increased risk of numerous ailments, cardiovascular disease and mortality. Our primary aim was to perform a feasibility study on how to incorporate physical activity among students and teachers in regular teaching activities. The second aim was to investigate how students and teachers perceived the differences between outdoor walking seminars and regular indoor seminars. By transforming an on-campus course into a blended course, we were able to conduct seminars outdoors in nearby nature while walking. These walking seminars were evaluated among 131 students and nine teachers leading the walking seminars. The responses to the student survey and teacher interviews indicate that discussions, sense of well-being and the general quality of the seminar improved, regardless of how physically active participants were the rest of the time. The study shows one way to increase physical activity with small means; in our case, a reorganization of how we prepared for the seminars which allowed for walking discussions.

No abstract

This paper is motivated by our work in the European Culture project "Faust -or dis-inventing the A-bomb". The project explored how to raise consciousness about distressing technology development through dialogue with old and young people. When reviewing our work it struck us that we had overlooked that some of the prototypes designed by the young participants called for embodied participation. We had naively expected to see sheer technology innovations of the future. Here we reflect on sensitivities for the bodily/physical will to interact.We also discuss everyday life situations that could allow for natural physical engagement as a health benefit. Physical aspects are typically of little consideration in design projects, apart from projects that has bodymovement as specific focus. We seek ways to adequately include a critical perspective in future design and to consider physical aspects more broadly in ICT projects for a human sustainable future. In many cases, the young participants showed us their concern for sustainability and well-being of both the environment and themselves and demonstrated through their prototypes a willingness to contribute through physical interaction.

No abstract