Introduction
For this first exercise, which is a first sort of mini-project, we'll look at some videos, discuss them, then depending on time, start the project in class.
Collective Viewing Material
First we'll watch a couple videos together.
Norman Doors
The first is about "Norman Doors" or the design of doors, and the reaction they instill in the "user" when they function in an unintuitive way.
Japanese Web Design
This video discusses high and low context cultures and how those cultures may eventually present themselves via, in this case web design.
Let's Discuss
Let's have general thoughts on the videos and related concepts.
- Have you interacted with a door that functioned 'unexpectedly'?
- How did you feel as a result of this experience?
- What websites, apps, or games have produced similar experiences? Why?
- Have you thought about changing any of these things?
- Do you have feelings and reactions to any UI or product design you encounter on a daily basis? A video game? the new iOS "glass"? The font Inter?
Your Task
Create a "button"
It can be made out of anything:
- a web page, or series of web pages.
- a video file, or series of video files, you scrub through.
- a google slides presentation
- cardboard.
- Legos
- Magna-Tiles
- you and someone else holding up several pieces of paper.
You may split into groups for this, and are encouraged to do so to allow for synergistic, collaborative outcomes, and more robust discussions of fewer pieces.
The button should have feedback
For example:
- something changes when it is hovered over
- something changes when it is contacted
- something changes when it is released
The something that changes might include:
- color
- size
- shape
- texture
- smell
- sound
- various combinations of the above
The button must transform to another state
- the button crumples (i.e. a piece of paper)
- changes color by some means
- the button is, or appears, to be depressed.
The button should produce a result
- a sound is output
- another object is revealed (like say a claw or gumball machine)
- a cardboard box opens to reveal a new experience
Objective(s)
- gain greater experiential understanding of the myriad concerns of user interface and interaction design.
Final Submission
- documentation of your button working (this might include video, images, screenshots, etc.)
Considerations
-
consider the type of button:
- radio
- checkbox
- toggle
- momentary
-
watch a couple of these:
(not because it needs to be a performance but because I just want to be clear I'm not expecting a sculpture, or for you to learn JavaScript).
Grading
This is an exercise but I will grade it as follows:
| Criterion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Consideration for button activation/feedback based on our discussions | 33% |
| Concept of overall button design | 33% |
| Aesthetic execution ("digital" or "analog") of overall button | 33% |
Relevant Dates
Week 01 → 08/24/2026 →
- Introduction, video discussion(s), begin projects, decide groups (optional)
- HW → Continue work for progress report / presentation next week!
Week 02 → 08/31/2026 →
- Review status (present to the class)
- HW → Complete for Week 04!
Week 04 → 09/07/2026 →
- Review completed projects!