Designing Trustworthy Interactions: Security, Quality, and User Support

Ensure user security and privacy:
When designing and developing interactive products, interaction designers should ensure the security and privacy of user data. They should avoid collecting unnecessary personal information, collect necessary information only when necessary, and strictly protect this information. At the same time, users should be clearly informed of how data is collected, used, and stored and how they can exercise their data rights.

Ensure product quality and user experience:
Ensure the quality and stability of the product and provide users with a smooth and easy-to-use experience. During the design process, focus on the product’s functionality to ensure that users can easily understand and operate it. At the same time, conduct user experience testing regularly, collect user feedback, and continuously optimize the product.

Provide effective user support and feedback mechanisms:
When users encounter problems when using AI-integrated products or services, designers should ensure that there are effective user support channels. This can include providing online help documents that detail how to use AI functions and answers to frequently asked questions. For example, for a smart home system, users may have questions about how to control the device through voice commands, and detailed help documents can guide them through the operation. You can also set up manual customer service channels so that users can get help from manual customer service on time when they encounter complex problems that AI cannot solve.
Feedback channels allow users to provide opinions on the performance, ethical issues, and other aspects of the AI ​​system. For example, in an intelligent translation application, users may find that the translation results are inaccurate or contain cultural biases. Through the feedback channel, they can inform the developer of these problems. User feedback should be processed and responded to on time. If users report that the AI ​​system has the risk of privacy leakage, the developer should immediately investigate and feedback on the investigation results and improvement measures to users to enhance their trust in the product.

Computer History Museum-How will AI change the way we work and live in the next decade?

By the time I stood in front of the AI robot Ameca, I realised that this robot I had seen countless times in YouTube videos, news headlines, and media promotions was now right before my eyes. I felt an indescribable mix of surprise and concern: it looked so real, with micro-expressions comparable to those of a human.

That means a lot. We have created a being that can physically resemble humans almost perfectly, and this carries profound implications. Imagine how much a person’s micro-expressions influence our attitude and words during a conversation. We might hesitate because of their tears and disappointment, or feel joy in response to their happiness. Humans are naturally empathetic creatures. And now, humans might not only empathise with their own kind or other living beings but also develop empathy for their own creations. It could just be we looked the same.

Thinking about the possibilities of future if we have more and higher level of techniques to create robots like Ameca, and even let them enter the market-if Ameca become affordable for common people, then the topic with “Human and Robots” that has been discussed and developed in fictions will become reality. And I believe human is making on this way-we are trying to bring this kind of fiction to reality. AI and Robots could become human being’s tools, friends, or slaves. The distinction between tools and slaves are wether they are alive.

However, expect the moral argument and concern, the AI is an trend that should not be underestimated and I am astonished by how far human beings have moved on it. We could relay on AI much much more than what we do now in decades.

Pace Layers

In IXD, I apply the concept of pace layers to understand how different components of a system evolve at varying rates, which significantly influences the design lifecycle.

Mapping these layers to interaction design, I consider:

  1. Fashion/Art (Fast Layer): This encompasses rapidly changing design trends, aesthetics, and user interface elements. Staying attuned to emerging styles ensures that products remain visually appealing and relevant.
  2. Commerce (Fast, but slower than Fashion): This layer involves market demands and business models, which evolve to meet consumer needs and economic shifts. Aligning design work with current market trends ensures commercial viability.
  3. Infrastructure (Moderate Layer): This includes the underlying technologies and platforms that support design implementations. Changes here occur more slowly, as they require significant investment and development time. Considering the stability and scalability of these technologies is crucial.
  4. Governance (Slow Layer): This pertains to regulations, standards, and ethical guidelines that govern design practices. Changes are infrequent but have substantial impact. Ensuring compliance with these standards maintains integrity and user trust.
  5. Culture (Slower Layer): This reflects societal values, user behaviors, and expectations, which evolve gradually. Understanding cultural contexts is essential for creating designs that resonate with users on a deeper level.
  6. Nature (Slowest Layer): This represents fundamental human behaviors and cognitive processes, which change very slowly over time. Aligning designs with these innate human factors ensures intuitiveness and accessibility.

How do Pace Layers affect the lifecycle of interaction design work? 

Pace Layers describe how different parts of a system change at different speeds, which can influence how interaction design evolves. In design, fast layers like trends or user interfaces change quickly, while slow layers like technology infrastructure or societal norms take longer to shift. Designers need to balance these layers, making sure their work stays useful and adaptable over time. For example, if a design focuses too much on fast-changing trends, it might become outdated quickly. But if it aligns well with slower layers, like core user needs, it can remain relevant even as trends change.

Pace Layers and the lifestyle of Interaction Design Work

Pace Layers help us understand how different parts of a system change at different speeds. In interaction design, this idea is useful because it reminds designers to focus on what changes quickly and what stays the same for a long time. For example, the look and feel of a website, like colours or fonts, often change fast to match trends. These parts of the design belong to the “fashion” layer and need frequent updates to keep users interested and engaged.

On the other hand, some parts of interaction design change much more slowly. Things like core user needs, design principles, or the system’s architecture belong to layers like “culture” or “infrastructure.” These layers evolve over years or even decades and require careful thought to make them stable and reliable. Designers need to create work that fits these slower layers so that their designs don’t feel outdated or break over time.

By understanding Pace Layers, interaction designers can plan better for the lifecycle of their work. They can decide which parts need constant updates and which can remain steady for a long time. This helps balance creativity and stability, making the designs more effective and lasting while also staying adaptable to change when needed.

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.

The Reality of Pace Layers

As we know, Pace layers is a framework introduced by Stewart Brand, it can explain different components of the system evolve at varying speed, and this impacted the whole interaction design system as well as the lifecycle. In IXD, layers like interfaces, contents and features can be done quickly, which enable a rapid revolution and innovation the responsively to a user feedback. On the other hand, layers like core functionality, architecture, and brand identities are more update gradually, it needs a wholistic strategic planning that to ensure a longterm sustainability. I think designers must be careful to navigate the balance between short or longterm stability.

In addition, I guess different layers require distinctive strategies that handle evolving user bases, new technologies and even market shifts. Both fast changing and slow changing elements supports future growth, pace layers influence resource allocations, to invest various rapid prototypes vs chronic upgrades. The perspective make sure design work will not only focus on meet current needs and demands but also a step in to future challenges, fostering a more solid product design ecosystem.

Museum Visit Reflection

Visiting the exhibition at the Computer History Museum gave me a deep impression of the rapid development of computer technology and its far-reaching impact on all levels of society. The exhibition showed the evolution of computers and AI from early simple machines to today’s complex systems, especially from the historical perspective of how technology has changed the way humans work and live step by step. Some of the classic computer equipment and early technological breakthroughs in the museum made me marvel at the vision and creativity of those pioneers. For example, from the first mechanical computers to the birth of early electronic computers to the emergence of the Internet, the exhibits vividly tell the story behind each technological innovation.

In the exhibition, I was particularly fascinated by the models and prototypes of those early computers. These seemingly bulky and complicated devices are vastly different from modern lightweight and efficient computers, but they are the cornerstones of today’s technological world. From these historical materials, I felt that design is not only the pursuit of form, but also a response to user needs. How designers solve real problems through technological innovation is a valuable learning opportunity for me as an Interaction Design student.

Through this visit, I have gained a deeper understanding of the history of computer technology, and also a better understanding of how as a designer, when facing future technological changes, I can draw inspiration from history, and at the same time, think about how to design products that are smarter, more convenient and humanized.

At the end of the exhibition, the question left for visitors was, “How will AI change our work and life in the next decade?” This question made me think a lot, especially in today’s era of rapid technological change.

I think the development of AI is not just an advancement in technology, it profoundly affects the way we work and the way we live. I can see the transformation of AI from the initial automated processing to today’s ability to perform natural language processing, sentiment analysis, and even create art. This made me realize that in the future, AI will not only be limited to automation and data processing, but may also enter the creative field and become an assistant to designers, artists and even teachers.

In terms of our personal lives, AI will make our interactions with technology more natural and personalized. For example, today’s voice assistants, personalized recommendation systems, and smart homes lay the foundation. In the future, AI may become an invisible assistant in our daily lives, helping us manage our time, our health, and even providing psychological support. But this development also poses privacy and ethical challenges, and we need to make sure that AI technology can protect users’ data and privacy from misuse while enhancing quality of life.

Overall, AI will greatly contribute to transforming work and life, but we must remain vigilant about its ethical and social implications. As designers, I believe we need to design and use AI responsibly to ensure that it can truly create value for society, not just an evolution of technology.

slow-moving foundational & fast-moving surface layers

I would say that Pace Layers, a concept introduced by Stewart Brand, offers a valuable framework to understand the lifecycle of interaction design work. The idea behind Pace Layers is that different elements of a system change at different rates, from the slow-moving foundational layers to the fast-moving surface layers.

The slow layers as the foundational stuff, like usability principles or interaction models, which don’t need constant updates. I feel like these give stability to the designs we create.

I notice that the fast layers, like visual trends or tech-driven features, are where changes happen a lot more often. I’ve experienced how staying on top of these helps keep designs fresh and relevant. But at the same time, I’ve learned that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel with the slower layers—they’re more about consistency and reliability.

I find it helpful to think about Pace Layers when I’m working on a project. I can focus on updating the fast-moving parts, like the UI or specific interactions, without worrying about the deeper layers every time. I also like how this approach keeps designs balanced—staying innovative without losing sight of the core principles.

How Pace Layer’s affect IXD work

Pace Layers help us understand how different parts of a system change at different speeds, and this idea is super useful in interaction design. For example, the core technology layer—like hardware or network infrastructure—evolves slowly, while the user interface or trends in app design can change rapidly. This means interaction designers need to create experiences that feel fresh and relevant now but also stay adaptable as trends shift. It’s a balancing act: designing for fast-moving layers like aesthetics while keeping an eye on slower layers, like the foundational tech, to ensure the work remains functional and scalable over time. Understanding these layers helps designers future-proof their work while staying flexible for the next big change.

Our future work and lives with AI

Reflecting on what I saw at the Computer History Museum’s Chatbots Decoded exhibit, it’s clear that AI is poised to transform how we work and live in profound ways over the next decade. The exhibit highlighted how AI, starting with early chatbots like ELIZA, has evolved into powerful systems capable of natural, human-like interaction. This progression suggests that AI will increasingly handle routine and complex tasks, making workplaces more efficient while potentially redefining traditional roles. At the same time, it raises questions about ethics, trust, and how humans and AI can collaborate harmoniously.

Looking ahead, AI’s integration into our lives will likely be multi-faceted. It could democratize access to education through personalized learning, revolutionize healthcare by offering predictive diagnostics, and make daily experiences more seamless with intelligent assistants. However, the exhibit also underscored critical challenges—like bias in AI systems and the need for thoughtful regulation—that society must address to ensure this technology uplifts rather than disrupts. The key takeaway is that AI’s potential lies not just in its technical capabilities but in how responsibly we choose to develop and use it

iPod / iPhone’s impact on technology and IXD

The iPod and iPhone transformed our relationship with technology by putting powerful, intuitive tools right in our pockets, making tech personal, portable, and indispensable. Before these devices, technology often felt clunky or detached, something you’d sit down at a desk to use. But Apple redefined interaction design with sleek touchscreens, simple gestures, and seamless access to music, apps, and the internet, all in one device. This shift pushed designers to think about user-friendly interfaces, emotional connection, and how technology fits into daily life. Interaction design now revolves around creating intuitive, human-centered experiences that feel natural and enhance how we work, play, and connect—no matter where we are.

Web 2.0

Web 2.0 was all about making the internet more interactive and user-driven. Before it, websites were mostly static—users could only read or view content but couldn’t actively participate. With Web 2.0, features like blogs, social media platforms, wikis, and comment sections let people create, share, and collaborate online. It introduced things we take for granted today, like user profiles, likes, and real-time updates. The big shift was that the web became a two-way street instead of a one-way broadcast. Today, we’re moving into Web 3.0, which focuses more on decentralization, personalization, and immersive experiences, like AI-driven interactions and virtual worlds, making the web feel even more intelligent and interconnected.

 AI will be a super assistant to doctors

The automation and intelligence of AI will greatly improve production efficiency. The popularization of AI will also bring about changes in the occupational structure. Some traditional occupations may gradually disappear due to the replacement of AI, while new AI-related occupations will continue to emerge. What I am most interested in is the intelligent medical system. It can use AI technology to predict, diagnose and treat diseases, and improve medical standards and efficiency. There is a project in the museum that AI can quickly screen and diagnose cancer in the early stages. By analyzing medical imaging data (such as CT scans, MRI, X-rays, etc.), AI can automatically identify and mark abnormal areas in the image, such as tumors, vascular lesions, etc. This ability significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of doctors’ diagnoses. AI can also perform image segmentation, accurately divide different tissues or lesion areas in medical images, and help doctors better observe and analyze. Although the museum only displays some intelligent medical systems. However, according to my investigation, AI can automatically analyze patients’ medical records and medical records, find key information, such as past medical history, family genetic history, etc., and provide doctors with comprehensive background information on patients. It can also analyze patients’ genomic data to identify potential genetic disease risks, such as hereditary diseases, abnormal drug metabolism, etc. Finally, AI can integrate information from multiple aspects such as medical images, medical records, and genomic analysis to provide doctors with a comprehensive view of patient information. AI will bring us a more convenient and personalized experience.

Follow the four steps of Pace Layers

Pace Layers impact the four main stages of interaction design.

1. Preliminary research and definition stage: Designers must pay close attention to user needs and the latest technology trends to ensure the design can keep up with the times. At this stage, designers will determine the product’s core functions and target users to lay the foundation for subsequent design work.

2. Design and development stage: Interaction designers must balance creating new things and maintaining consistency with existing user expectations. Pace Layers play a guiding role. For example, innovation while using gestures like sliding, such as the visual design of new sliding-based functions. In this way, users will not feel completely unfamiliar when interacting with the latest design. As the project progresses, designers can determine which parts of the design need to be updated more frequently based on different rhythm layers. Functions at a fast-changing level may require more iterative changes to keep up with the latest trends or user needs.

3. Testing and evaluation stage: Designers need to ensure that the core functions and structure of the product are stable and reliable to support subsequent updates and expansions. Verify the feasibility of the design and user experience through user testing to ensure that the product can meet the basic needs and expectations of users.

4. Deployment and maintenance phase: Once the product is released, designers need to pay close attention to user feedback and market trends to update and adjust the product on time. According to user needs and market changes, designers can regularly update the product’s differentiating elements to keep the product competitive and attractive.

Pace Layers affecting the lifecycle of IXD work

Pace Layers show how parts of IXD change at different speeds. Content, front end code, interaction specs, interaction patterns, and visual design will change from slowest to fastest in that order. The faster parts will be easier to change and innovate. Visual design trends change often, and many companies will want to keep their visual design up to date and trendy. The faster layers are easier to change. The slower layers are important to keep stability and sustainability. They change very slowly. For example, user interactions should be intuitive and consistent. Overall, the different elements make user experiences both consistent and adaptable to user needs.

AI changing the way we work and live in the next decade

In the next decade, AI will probably continue to advance and become more capable. I think AI agents will become more commonly used to help people in their life and careers. It would be useful for AI to do simple repetitive tasks so that humans don’t have to, letting humans focus on the more complex things. Although it is also true that AI may replace some careers. I think if someone is skilled at using AI as a tool in their work, they will have an advantage over someone in the same field that doesn’t know how to use AI. Therefore it will be important to know how to use AI to our advantage as a tool.

Computer History Museum Experience

It seems to me that AI should be more normalized for the shift in our lives over the next decade. Artificial intelligence is still a stage of refinement, although it can already help human beings to a certain extent to reduce a lot of unnecessary time-consuming, but the system as well as the development of I’m sure that the current technology is still not so mature.

I take the object of comparison is the existence of cell phones and computers, they are also the invention of the last century, but only in recent years has it become a household name and integrated into the life of the people to a great extent to improve the life of the people.

Response to Pace Layers

Pace Layers, first created by Stewart Brand, describe how different aspects of a system change at different speed. This framework helps explain how different forces—like technology, business priorities, and cultural values—impact the evolution of design work.

The fastest layers (trends in aesthetics or market demands) influence the more superficial aspects of interaction design, such as UI styles or features added to attract users quickly. These changes are important for staying competitive but tend to have short lifespans. Meanwhile, slower layers like societal behaviors or human cognition provide a foundation for designs that remain effective over time. For instance, principles like ease of use or accessibility are rooted in deeper, more stable layers like “Culture” or “Nature.”

This framework encourages designers to think about which aspects of their work need frequent updates and which should be designed for long-term stability. For example, updating visual styles to follow trends is crucial in the short term, but building designs around enduring user needs ensures longevity.

iPod – iPhone etc.

The iPod and iPhone transformed our relationship with technology by making it personal, portable, and intuitive. These devices combined innovative, convenient design with functionality, introducing technology in ways that had never been seen before.

When Apple introduced touch-based interfaces, eliminating barriers to entry and creating a seamless interaction model. This has influenced interaction design ever since by prioritizing user-centric experiences, emphasizing simplicity, accessibility, and engagement. The apps on these products became more personalized, offering features that easily integrate into daily routines, such as exercising or setting alarms. This shift led interaction design to focus more on user experience by creating better responsive interfaces, fostering emotional connections through features, and raising user expectations.