Sweet Dreams Are Made of This 2020, Session 11 — “Ownership” Responsibility for our practice and process as interaction designers A statement you can stand behind Do we as designers own what we do? What could be the worst that could happen, in relation to your thesis? At this point my topic is quite personal, as I am interested in how phatic technologies can be used to improve the remote communication between my friends…

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This 2020, Session 10 — AJ Jacobs’ talk on the importance of self-delusion in the creative process really spoke to me as I considered my ultimate dream for the BA project this past week. Jacobs believes that if you pretend, you will become. For instance, if you’re feeling down, act as if you were confident…

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This 2020, Session 09 — During my initial research of phatic technologies I began to notice a renewed and increasing interest in the improvement of remote communication due to the current pandemic. Of course the pandemic is not the sole contributing factor, but it has amplified the need for improved remote communication on a global…

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This 2020, Session 08 — I can remember exactly when my obsession with phatic technologies began. We were only a few weeks into our IAD Methods class in the second semester and the topic for that week was Design in the Everyday Context. The paper was “Ritual Machines I & II: Making Technology at Home,”…

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This 2020, Sessions 04–07 — Joy. That’s the word that came to mind during the last performance —courtesy of Andy, Mara, & Janina—as we tossed the samaras from the maple trees up into the air, and watched them fall like helicopters to the ground. Overwhelmed. …

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This 2020, Session 03 — Who am I? I am atoms, molecules, and cells. I am the air that I breathe. I am the sounds I hear and the sights I see. I am a daughter. I am a sister and half sister. I am a niece. I am an aunt. I am a wife. I am a…

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This 2020, Session 02 — In 2016, Beyoncé released Formation as the lead single to her album Lemonade. The song and its politically charged music video present a strong social commentary on Hurricane Katrina, as well as the Black Lives Matter movement. In addition, the artist provides a glimpse into her heritage, family, and…

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This 2020, Session 01 — Our first session began with a discussion based on reflections from the last two years of studies and what we consider to be a contribution, as we head towards our thesis semester. The following questions helped to shape our reflections and discussions. What has made an impact on you during…