We, as interaction designers hold a responsibility to create systems that prioritize the needs and values of the people using them, especially when integrating AI. Transparency is critical. Users should understand how the system works, what data is being collected, and the limitations of AI so they can make informed decisions. Designers must actively address biases, questioning assumptions in data and algorithms to ensure their work is fair, inclusive, and does not reinforce stereotypes or inequities. Privacy and security need to be central, with clear and accessible controls that put users in charge of their own data. At the same time, design should preserve human agency by empowering users to make their own decisions rather than passively relying on AI. Designers also have to think beyond immediate goals and consider the long-term impact of their work, from how users engage with it daily to its broader societal and environmental effects. Ultimately, it is about balancing innovation with accountability, creating systems that are not only functional but also ethical and meaningful in the context of real human lives.
iPod/iPhone Technology
Technology changed from something we used occasionally to something we live with every day. It stopped feeling like just a tool and started becoming a personal part of our lives. Music wasn’t tied to a stereo anymore—it traveled with you, shaping your mood wherever you went. Then came devices that connected you to everything—people, ideas, entertainment—all in the palm of your hand. Technology didn’t just help us get things done; it became how we experienced the world.
For interaction design, this meant a major shift. Designers had to think beyond function and start focusing on how technology feels. Is it intuitive? Does it fit naturally into someone’s day? It’s not just about solving problems anymore—it’s about creating experiences that are seamless, meaningful, and human.
Pace Layers & IXD
In IXD, Pace Layers shape how work evolves by highlighting what stays constant and what changes quickly. Stable layers like human behavior and cultural norms are lasting principles that as makes interfaces intuitive, accessible, and universally clear. These elements remain the foundation of good design, providing timeless solutions that resonates within various contexts. Middle layers shift more gradually, prompting designers to adapt systems and experiences to new platforms, ensuring that designs remain functional and relevant over time. The fastest layers are like visual trends, they require frequent iterations to keep up with user expectations. For example: Integrating AI and emerging tools within existing systems. Such as how Google incorporated AI search engines within user searches. Balancing these layers allow designers to create work that is adaptable and evolves alongside the evolving tech world.
Future of AI
I believe that AI will increasingly be essential to our daily lives. Just like how iPhones have become everyday accessories, AI assistance and AI integrated products will also become a daily necessity. This will alter the human-technology reciprocity we currently have. I predict we will develop companionship with AI and be dependent on these technologies to perform daily tasks. Tasks would range from AI therapy sessions to AI hiring teams. Which is already beginning to occur with some users using ChatGPT to vent about their situations or having AI scanners run through resumes before they are even read. I also believe that Ameca, the AI robot will be bought or replicated by Apple or Amazon to create a physical version of Siri or Alexa. Ameca can currently speak and can move in slight gestures, but I believe that she will progress to have the ability to walk and interact with others seamlessly. Having physical AI assistance might be particularly helpful for not only younger generations but for the elderly. Maybe with assistance more accessible at home, the need for retirement homes and human assistance decreases as a result.
Web 2.0 Development
Web 2.0 was a transformative shift that left a forever impact on the way we communicate. Before Web 2.0 is Web 1.0, the first stage of the internet that enabled limited online interactivity. Though it was until Web 2.0, the second stage of the internet, that allowed for user interactivity and collaboration through the social web. Some defining media includes Facebook, Twitter, and Wikipedia. These outlets were mediums for users to express their thoughts, and perspectives. Unlike Web 1.0 where users take in information, Web 2.0 allowed users to share information. This opened up new careers in content creation, media marketing, and design.
Web to UX
The growing rise of web complexity demands for design that adapts to all users. When technology becomes too complicated, the appeal to certain demographics begin to shift. For senior individuals, they may feel technology has become too complex for daily use. For those with visual impairments, they may feel technology is exclusive to those without visual disabilities. These real life instances are the inclusive considerations that need to be raised when breaking down complex systems into universal systems. With the increasing demand for UX, comes the growing need for accessibility, diversity, and inclusion. By considering the experiences of the people we are designing for, we can make technology accessible for all. Design does not only serve aesthetic purposes, they serve working functions.
Design Systems vs Creativity
In ways, design systems do restrict creative freedom. Though, I also believe these limitations are upheld for a reason. Having full creative freedom without referencing design systems can be risky, especially when designing for companies and stakeholders. Some risks include lack of uniformity, large investment in time, and misunderstanding of content. A company’s goal when designing is to engage users through intuitive experiences, using typography, composition, and photography. Most of the existing systems today are tailored to that goal, and these systems are borrowed because they are effective for both the users and the company. Breaking out of these set in place systems may do more harm than good. It can offset the presentation and professionalism of a company and confuse users navigating through unfamiliar material. Though, in special cases when designs are created mindfully and attentively, breaking out of design systems can greatly enhance interactive experiences. Similar to how musicians can consciously break music rules when they understand theory, designers can effectively break away from design systems after they understand how design systems work and why they are in place.
DARPA & New Tech
I do believe governments, corporations, and open source ventures should be responsible for inventing new technology, but I also believe that limitations and restrictions to how these regulations are monitored should be set in place. A big concern I have especially with profit seeking corporations is how they might misuse these technologies for their own benefit without users knowing. The amount of information they hold with such limited oversight raises an ethical concern for me. On the government level, the use of public surveillance is also a topic I have mixed feelings about. Though I acknowledge surveillance is especially powerful in solving crime and recall events from the past, the 24/7 monitoring of everyday civilians feels dystopic. Though I also see a positive future in the various new uses of technology with the advancement of AI, medical technology, and self operating vehicles.
Lucy Suchman Impact
Suchman challenged traditional cognitive values, arguing that human behavior is dependent on its environment, also known as a “situated action”. Human cognition functions by being adaptive to different situations, especially when unexpected changes arise. When a problem arises it is instinctual for people to attempt and overcome these barriers or work their way around it. This altered the way technology is designed because digital interactions are not fixed linear paths. Interactions are a flow of interconnected components of sensory details. Depending on a users needs or situation, navigating a particular product may be intuitive or unintuitive. An example would be the Xerox printers, they were designed to be easy to use, but many people struggled to use the device or was unsure how to operate the machine. By adding signifiers such as the bight green button, she simplified the way people perform tasks. This goes to show the importance of HCI in crafting universal design that everyone can use.
GUI Evolution
A notable progression of the GUI during early Macintosh era to its modern era is its gradual shift from flat design, Skeuomorphic design, and Neumorphic design. This shift is a byproduct of Apple’s mission in creating accessibility driven, yet visually sleek designs, a signifier of the minimalistic modern ambiance Apple channels. Visually, Transformed from flat pixel icons to multi pixel rounded edges with color. Higher responsiveness. Simplification of Apple. Need for quick access, especially in an era where we digest/process visual information, shorter attention span. With the growth of the personal computer, how will the interface transfer with smaller screens like the iPhone? How will the GUI adapt to its smaller, more contained screen size? Consideration of color more emphasis on users needs and user interactions. Preferences, dark mode. Ability to zoom or have multiples windows open. The structure and foundational principles of has remained the same. Many of the icons that we associate with early GUIs are still used foundation based on Apple Lisa GUI. More customizable GUIs as customization has been a component Apple has. The appearance of app icons and. Navigation, especially in file formatting feels outdated. Because users have been so accustomed to the look of the system, I feel that Apple will keep it the way it is. Visual hierarchy and clutter, difficulty in finding specific files. Use of AI or non human assistant to navigate through GUIs including initiating phone calls or opening an app. Grown in the organization and usability of the software, simplifying the way we interact with GUIs. Advancing, making the personal computer feel and look more personal. GUIs and the many functionalities associated/came along with it, drew in, why people would want a personal computer, transformed into why we need a personal computer.
Swissnex AI Exhibition
The Genova exhibition was a refreshing experience, especially given the mixed feelings about AI in the past couple years. Their work validates the argument that AI is art and that AI + artists can be a powerful team. Though many say AI is a cheat way to make quick art, the outcomes of these pieces were a byproduct of hours upon hours of prompt generating, altering, and tweaking inputs to achieve their desired output. Though, I do acknowledge AI art is a rather controversial topic for artists. I have met people who are adamant that AI art is not art, some that are concerned about its credibility, some who believe AI can be an artistic medium. To see artists embracing the positive connotations of AI in their work feels radical. It challenges the hackneyed perspective that AI is bad and withdraws creativity.
I particularly appreciate the photograph capturing fire behind a white background, knowing the trickiness of photographing fire especially on a pure white background. Something about the crispness and otherworldliness of this simple photograph. Closer to photography aligning with the way I perceive in real time. AI cameras, clearly photograph the moon and sun on our phones. Which currently pixelation and time to manually focus on objects. To ask myself what is the future of photo editing as AI is being imbedded in editing softwares such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom.
Xerox Star & Modern Computing
Xerox Star, laid the groundwork for modern computing. Xerox was highly advanced for the technology of its time, being the first computer to incorporate GUI. With this, the development of visual and interaction design emerged as a result, using icons and symbols to convey particular functions. This captivated the attention of tech’s biggest pave makers including, Steve Jobs, founder of Apple. He foresaw Xerox’s ability to become a personal asset, a potential integration to people’s daily lives. This changed the use case of computers. Once where computers were intended for number crunching and scientific research, gradually morphed into a platform to create, design, and complete everyday tasks. Though Xerox Star was financially inaccessible for most people at the time, the foundations of Xerox developed into an everyday necessity for millions through Apple’s direction. Yes, Apple products have also been consistent with its high prices, though it is important to acknowledge that the digital zeitgeist has shifted, the need for computers and technology has become essential. Apple has actually made computers “Affordable” compared to Xerox’s original price of $16,000, a factor of its commercial failure. Though what I found most interesting about Xerox is how a handful of our current tech leaders emerged out of Xerox and have used their knowledge to create the multifaceted tech industry that exists today. Essentially, Xerox built the tech industry and it is important to note that Xerox Star was not only a groundbreaking innovation for computing, it was a life altering invention that has moved us towards a tech reliant society.
Douglas Engelbart & SRI Importance
Douglas Englebart’s demo of the computer marked a transcendent pivot for modern technology. His demonstration showed the early beginnings and capabilities of human computer interactions. The features that he demonstrated, including word editing, GUI, and hypertext are still embedded and advancing in digital interfaces today. Viewers who had the opportunity to witness his demo in real time encountered some of the early sparks of the Technological Renaissance. With collaboration with SRI, his then, abstract and outlandish concepts translated into tangible, working systems. As a designer and tech enthusiast, it is fascinating to see the continuous progression of technology and the milestones that made intelligent computing possible.
Fei Fei’s AI Journey & IXD
A key take away from Fei Fei’s Computer History Museum livestream is that the pursuit for knowledge is never ending, and we should approach the future of technology with awareness. Notes: Imagenet algorithm that can segment objects or predict the relationship between them. Describe a photo in human natural language. Impossible is possible. Room for improvement not realistic enough. We want AI to help us as much as possible. Simply seeing is not enough “Seeing is doing” Spatial intelligence predict what will happen next and willingness to act. AI promotes action. See, talk, and do. Translate sentence into 3D spatial room layout. Algorithm that takes one image and infinitely generate possible spaces to be explored. Immersive experience. Real worlds modeled in digital forms. Train computers to act see in a 3D world. Robot arm performing daily tasks through verbal instructions. Robots to aid and assist. 3D worlds real or virtual. AI impact patient outcomes smart sensors that detect sanitary cautions or track surgical instruments, when patients are at risk. Ambient intelligence like an extra pair of eyes. Help with those with severe paralysis or ALS to detect brainwaves to perform daily tasks. Pre imagined no one believed in data, although AI is data driveled. Was deeply suspicious. 99 stupid ideas over 1 ideas. Just because you’re challenged doesn’t meant mean you should give up. 2016 marked the great tech breakthrough. Possibly also marked the decrease is tech luxury and lay offs. Boom of excitement and anticipation and fear. 2022 release of ChatGPT. First accessible AI that holds intimacy with users. Awakening moment. Every point in history technology and science is limited. There will always be a pursuit for more information and learnings. We are living in a boom, within 3-5 years more about how we will govern these models. AI bills, unsafe technology? Government vs Science? Will the government hold back on AI’s predicted growth? Spatial intelligence is evolution dating back to animal behaviors, how we interact with 3D realms. How do we transfer data and digital behaviors into actionable tangible behavior.
Gestalt Principles & Fitts’s Law In Action
Powerful designs are often designed with intention. Intentional designers create purposeful designs by following rules, including but not limited to Gestalt principles and Fitts’s laws. Whether deliberately or subconsciously, these rules define the way we interpret and process information, because they exist everywhere: From the signs we see, to the interfaces on our screens, to the logos on billboards. These principles make up our daily living, yet many live in a Gestalt and Fitts constructed society obliviously.
In digital interfaces, Gestalt’s law of proximity, similarity, and continuity specifically coincide nicely when considering readability. For example, a dropdown menu. The uniformity in menu selection options are grouped in a similar orientation to indicate that they are components of the same category. Different dropdown menus are differentiated through proximity. Spacing acts as a barrier to separate and indicate that the two menus do not coexist together, but exist on its own. When considering a website, the dropdown selections directly influences the output display of the webpage. Continuity and common fate guides the users in how their eye processes the screen, whether it be to read vertically, horizontally, follow arrows, view images first, or view text first. Fitts’s laws enhances that experience by predetermining the ideal amount of button padding, and the target touch points of digital screens needed for a fluid user experience.
Acknowledging why these systems exist and came to be are important in creating mindful and effective designs. I plan to refer and reflect on how I design by further applying these principles when approaching design thinking. The more aware a designer is about their decisions, the better their designs are. These pre-constructed laws are the foundational components that help create meaningful digital experiences.
Lovelace & Gilbreth Importance IXD
Ada Lovelace & Lilian Gilbreth are two of many redefining female pioneers who have been discredited for their insurmountable advancements in STEAM. Our duty as designers and practitioners within STEAM, is to make visible the accomplishments that have been watered down by the industry and to restore equity within these fields.
The exclusion of women in top occupations and positions of power is unassailable. This reoccurring issue is not only prominent within IXD, but through Law, Finance, Construction, and STEM in its entirety. This heightens the importance of learning about both history and herstory.
Lovelace was a mathematician who laid the groundwork of modern algorithms. She is considered, “The first computer programmer” and expanded the bounds of what a computer is envisioned to do. This includes envisioning a computer system that not only works with numbers, but with symbols that produce images and sound. Despite her accomplishments, she was still labeled as the wife of Charles Babbage or the daughter of Lord Byron. Her achievements should stand on its own, and it is painful seeing women being overshadowed by the successes of their male peers purely based on bias.
Gilbreth was an engineer and management consultant that significantly improved industrial management efficiency. Her refrigerator foot pedal invention with GE appliances was one of the early works of accessibility in product design. Alongside this, she was Purdue University’s first female engineering professor, advocating for women in engineering. She made an everlasting impact on modern managerial and HCI practices. Similar to Lovelace, her efforts were undermined by the recognition of her husband. It was only when he was no longer a part of the equation, then her work began to be noticed. It is sad to consider that if her husband was less short lived, Gilbreth accomplishments may not have been recognized at all.
The groundwork Lovelace and Gilbreth paved is the reason why women in STEAM exist. It is importantly to reflect on the trailblazing women who brought us together in this very class. By influencing an entire demographic to exceed past their confinements and expectations, they have redefined what it means to be a woman. We carry on that legacy.
Twitter Vs Egyptian Hieroglyphics
Prior to X’s rebrand from Twitter, the iconic blue bird Ollie, was the mascot and brand symbol responsible for the platform’s global success. Given Twitters commitment to brand identity, the interface and iconography became tailored to the concept of the blue bird. Such instances include the “Tweet” button being represented by a feather and a “+” symbol. The feather is used in Egyptian hieroglyphics as a symbol of truth and freedom. Similarly in Twitter’s use case, users tweet messages to emphasize their right to freely express and communicate. In a philosophical sense, the feather is a fragment of Twitter’s mascot, because when a user tweets or sends a message, they are adding feathers that allow Ollie to take flight. Without feathers, a bird cannot fly and without users, a company cannot thrive. Both the logo and hieroglyph highlight the motion of the wing, contributing to the idea of progression, taking flight, and rise of the digital age, both using a 2D representation of the bird.
Additionally, Twitter references Egyptian history and lifestyle. Birds were human companions, that enabled humans to deliver messages and communicate with one another. Twitter’s intentional reference to these details collectively contributes to their business motto and branding direction. In all, it is interesting to consider how Egyptian hieroglyphics shaped modern logos and iconography, but also how Egyptian traditions and lifestyle shaped the underlying meaning of modern iconography.