A living pattern: An investigation of intuitive interaction between humans and tangible objects

Abstract

Humans create tools to assist our lives in different ways, and a more intuitive use of a product can result in a better user experience. While most studies on intuitive behavior have focused on virtual product services by reason that our daily lives are flooded with digital devices, some psychologists argue that human instinctive behaviors result in fact from our bodily experiences. Instead of intuitive virtual interaction, this thesis therefore aims to investigate the intuitive interaction between humans and tangible objects. As a product and spatial designer, the author examines the topic through a combination of literature review and a hands-on design approach.

A key theme in this study investigates the word “pattern,” which encompasses definitions of (1) the repetition of human behavior, (2) a motif in visual design, and (3) an established sample that can be reproduced. All of them are incorporated into a design procedure called the Pattern Cycle in which each notion of pattern represents a distinct design phase. As a result, three design phases are included in the Pattern Cycle, and they are listed as follows: Pattern Way, Pattern Arrangement, and Pattern Example.

This thesis begins by laying out the theoretical dimensions of the study and looks at how mental and physical experiences construct the basis of human-object intuitive interaction. A strand of psychological studies indicate that the human mind, body, and emotions are of equal significance to human behavior. Based on these findings, a hypothesis of a new design approach, AaA’-BaB’ theorem, is developed in the first design phase, Pattern Way. It is a design method emphasizing on transferring a particular human-object interaction to an alternative application. In Pattern Arrangement, the author utilizes the theorem to produce a BaB’ design. The design is experimented and tested with multiple 3D printing technologies. Finally, a design titled Lantern Divider is built in the last design phase, Pattern Example. The divider can be folded into a compact form and opened up by a simple and intuitive push. The final innovative design aspires to inspire people in their daily lives through direct human-object interaction and the bodily experiences it creates.

This thesis endeavors to serve as a manual for designers interested in innovative and inspiring designs. Both the design approach of AaA’-BaB’ theorem and the design procedure of the Pattern Cycle can be applied to a person’s creative process. For non-designers, this thesis provides an understanding of how we, as human beings, behave within the environment and interact with objects and our surroundings.