Applying Bioaffordances through an Inquiry-Based Model: A Literature Review of Interactive Biodesign

ABSTRACT

The nascent field of biodesign creates novel applications of life sciences through design methods. Biodesign has the potential to shift interactive computational systems from using purely digital components to systems that integrate living organisms. However, there is a lack of understanding of biodesign and how it advances HCI. We present a review of 41 papers published in ACM Digital Library, IEEE Explore digital library and the Design and Applied Arts Index. We found that existing literature describes aspects of biodesign theory, design processes and artifacts, and educational environments, but not holistically. Based on the findings, we define biodesign as the application of the bioaffordances of an organism. We contribute the Bio-Inquiry model: a methodology connecting user-centered, scientific and critical inquiries to inform the design of interactive artifacts. We discuss the opportunities at the intersection of biodesign and HCI to consider the nature of future technologies.

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank Professor Judy Kay and Professor Phil Poronnik for their input during the preparation of this article.

Notes

1. see: https://igem.org/.

2. See http://www.bdjn.org/.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Phillip Gough

Phillip Gough is a Lecturer in Biological Design at the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning in the Affective Interactions Lab, and Program Director of the undergraduate Biological Design major. His research and teaching combines biodesign, data visualization and human-computer interaction to design problems for health and wellbeing.

Soojeong Yoo

Soojeong Yoo is an Associate Lecturer in Design and Health at the University of Sydney. Her research interests include augmenting workplaces with tovel technologies such as virtual reality within the context of physical activity, on-body interaction, personalized dashboards and human-adapted HCI.

Martin Tomitsch

Martin Tomitsch is a Professor of Interaction Design and Director of Innovation at the University of Sydney, Visiting Professor at the CAFA Beijing Visual Art Innovation Institute, and founding member of the Media Architecture Institute. His research and teaching areas include interaction design, user experience design and urban interfaces.

Naseem Ahmadpour

Naseem Ahmadpour is Senior Lecturer and HCI researcher at The University of Sydney. She leads the Affective Interactions lab. Her research is focused on the responsible design of technologies that support meaningful affective experiences and foster wellbeing.