The Intersection of Human-Centered Design and Phenomenology

Swara Birari & Niharika Shanbhag

January 2025

Technology, when only used as a creative tool, can frequently feel repetitive and restrictive for people. In its pure state, technology is devoid of human empathy and is unable to comprehend the many perspectives and experiences that each person possesses. However, because it promotes sensitivity and empathy, which bridges the gap between the two, design that is centered on human experiences and variety can readily fill it in. As designers, we can create technology that seems complete, user-friendly, and efficient for people's needs when we begin to understand the user's requirements, expectations, and psychology; whereas phenomenology is an approach that concentrates on the study of consciousness and the objects of direct experience.

This process, referred to as "human-centered design," ensures that technology is both applicable and emotionally appropriate. The ideas of embodiment and intersubjectivity help us understand this philosophy better. Intersubjectivity concerns the relations between various perspectives of two or more people, and serves as a useful framework for understanding the complex process of collaborative design.

In design terms, embodiment refers to the ways in which technology influences our feelings, ideas, and perceptions. When technology is built with a knowledge of our embodied emotions and experiences, it becomes an extension of ourselves, enhancing our skills and opening up new creative paths. Conversely, intersubjectivity, which can be defined as the empathetic exchange of thoughts between two people, emphasizes the simple understanding that arises from our interactions and teamwork with others. This idea promotes the design of technology that not only meets the needs of the individual but also facilitates the installation of a stronger sense of interpersonal connection. In this way, design bridges the gap between people and technology while also empowering human relationships with technology.

In order to psychologically condition the human brain, design is essential. Every object, environment, or space's aesthetics, colors, creativity, and general design can have a big impact on people's feelings and behaviors. Brain architecture has the power to influence the subconscious in a variety of ways, including sentiments, recollections, confidence, and cognitive functions. As a basic illustration, different colors elicit different emotions. For instance, blue can encourage calmness, while red can arouse rage or excitement. Thus, design can be improved to enhance the user experience and increase productivity and engagement. This lowers stress levels and improves time management. Overall design has the ability to directly affect the psychological and emotional reactions in our brains and can change how we interact, perceive, and even respond to the environment around us.

By thoughtfully crafting the visual and spatial elements that surround us, we can positively impact our well-being, behaviors, and interactions. As we continue to navigate the complexities of human experience, let us embrace the power of design to shape our minds, inspire our lives, and enrich our spirits.

The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Design

By Isha Bhatt and Gauri Ashok

January 2025

From reshaping almost all industries to making our lives more efficient, we live in a world that can no longer be imagined without AI. But when it comes to a field based on creativity and originality like Design, are we losing its true essence due to the over-reliance on the very technology meant to enhance it?

The integration of Artificial Intelligence into design is revolutionizing the field, but it also introduces several ethical concerns related to responsibility, accountability, and autonomy.

Designers have always been accountable for their works. But the more integrated and advanced the functions of an AI system become, the harder it is to determine who is liable for the outcomes. This brings forth an important question, should this accountability fall to the designers, the users, or the AI itself?

Even for their developers, AI systems frequently behave in ways that are unpredictable. This leads to a lack of clarity on who is actually responsible when the actions of AI have unfavorable effects. It is therefore important that positive accountability elements are introduced to make sure that human control stays intact, and the people responsible for AI’s actions are identified.

AI is capable of independent judgments, which can be both beneficial as well as dangerous if those decisions risk harmful outcomes. We cannot consider AI as a moral agent since it lacks true human understanding. As a result, it's critical to establish boundaries for AI's autonomy and put safety measures in place to guarantee that its choices are ethically sound.

AI is defining a new era and its impact on design still remains unclear. Designers and developers should collaborate together to address these ethical concerns. By creating transparent AI systems, clarifying accountability, and incorporating ethical considerations into design practices, we can maximize the benefits of AI while upholding important ethical principles.

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