An effective interaction design for a sustainable future will emphasize user demands and goals while simultaneously considering the product or service’s environmental impact. This could include using sustainable materials, conserving energy, and planning for ease of repair and recycling. It could also include features that support sustainable behavior, such as tracking and boosting energy efficiency. The main goal would be to produce a design that is user-friendly and accessible while also supporting long-term sustainability. More specifically, a successful interaction design for a sustainable future may incorporate the following elements:
Efficient and user-friendly interface: The design should be simple to use and comprehend, with clear and unambiguous instructions and feedback.
Minimalistic environmental impact: The materials and manufacturing processes used should minimize environmental harm and promote sustainability.
Energy-saving features: The design should include features that reduce energy consumption, such as automatic shut-off or sleep modes.
Durability and longevity: The product should be designed to last as long as possible, with easy-to-repair or upgrade components.
Encourages sustainable behaviors: The design should include features that encourage sustainable behavior, such as tracking and promoting energy efficiency, or providing feedback on environmental impact.
Accessibility: The design should be inclusive, taking into account the needs of those with impairments, older folks, and users with low literacy.
Circular Economy Consideration: The product should be built so that materials may be easily reused and recycled at the end of its life cycle.
That being mentioned we would then like to draw your attention to some of the practical examples of successful interaction design applications for a sustainable future. Of course, the list is not exhaustive.
Energy-efficient home appliances: Interaction design can make home appliances more energy-efficient by making it easy for users to adjust settings, monitor usage, and schedule usage for off-peak hours. For example, smart thermostats can be controlled through a mobile app and can learn user preferences and automatically adjust settings to conserve energy.
Sustainable transportation: Interaction design can encourage sustainable transportation by making it easy for users to plan and track their journeys, find the nearest public transportation, and pay for fares using mobile apps. Especially with newly trending electric and self-driving cars, usability and affordance should gain focus while designing in order to drive the interest of the customers and users.
Recycling and waste management: Interaction design can make recycling and waste management more efficient by providing clear, easy-to-understand instructions for sorting and disposing of waste, and by using sensors and other technologies to track waste and alert users when it needs to be disposed of.
Sustainable food choices: Interaction design can help people make more sustainable food choices by providing information about the environmental impact of different foods, and by making it easy for people to find and purchase locally-sourced and organic foods.
Sustainable travel: Interaction design can encourage sustainable travel by making it easy for users to plan and book trips that have minimal environmental impacts, such as by providing information about carbon offset options or eco-friendly accommodations. Also, how do we encourage the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through the design of engaging and useful transportation solutions?
Sustainable fashion: Interaction design can encourage sustainable fashion by providing information about the environmental impact of different fabrics and clothing production methods, and by making it easy for users to find and purchase sustainable clothing options.
Here is also some descriptive example of sustainable design patterns that can be implemented in buildings
Green roofs: This is a sustainable design pattern in which vegetation is grown on the roof of a building. This not only helps to reduce the heat island effect but also helps to insulate the building and reduce stormwater runoff.
Passive solar design: This is a design pattern that utilizes the sun’s energy to heat and cool a building. This can be achieved through the use of large windows that face the sun, thermal mass materials that absorb and store heat, and strategic shading and ventilation to control temperature.
Rainwater harvesting: This is a design pattern that involves the collection and storage of rainwater for later use, such as for irrigation or flushing toilets. This helps to reduce the demand for municipal water supplies and can help to mitigate the effects of drought.
Biophilic design: This is a design pattern that incorporates elements of nature, such as plants, water, and natural light, into the built environment. This can help to improve the well-being of building occupants and can also help to reduce energy consumption.
Human-centered approaches to sustainable design are concerned with developing products, services, and systems that meet people’s needs while simultaneously protecting the environment. This approach highlights the necessity of incorporating users and stakeholders in the design process to ensure that solutions are personalized to their individual needs and are more likely to be adopted and used in long-term ways. As such we must:
Highlight the significance of user research by conducting research to better understand user needs, behaviors, and preferences, and then utilize this knowledge to build more sustainable products and services.
Involve users and other stakeholders in the design process, and encourage collaboration and co-creation to produce new ideas and solutions.
Design for behavior change using design to encourage sustainable behaviors, such as reducing water usage or conserving energy.
Make sustainability accessible and understandable by making sustainability accessible and intelligible to consumers by using clear and straightforward language, images, and other design components.
Make sustainability appealing with the use of design to make sustainable products and services appealing to customers rather than being regarded as a burden.
Prioritize accessibility and inclusivity while ensuring that sustainable products and services are accessible and inclusive, taking into account the requirements of various groups, such as people with disabilities and those living in low-income neighborhoods.
Continuously assess and improve: Based on feedback from users and other stakeholders, continuously analyze and improve sustainable products and services, and adapt tactics accordingly.
In the process of personalizing solutions, one may argue that we are less concerned with the user and more interested in implementing the next technological innovation. The point is that we must incorporate a human-centered approach into the technologies we are implementing. This raises the question of the role of technology in sustainability.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world’s common plan to end extreme poverty, decrease inequality, and safeguard the planet by 2030, according to the UN. Every country must provide its necessities for work, food, energy, water, and sanitation. Everyone has the right to live in a healthy, safe, and clean environment. This is easily accomplished by lowering pollution, poverty, and unemployment.
Technology’s role in sustainable development is to assist companies in achieving net-zero and other environmental, social, and governance goals. Leading companies are already using technological accelerators to achieve their environmental goals.
The impact of technology on the environment and society is considered in sustainable development. We must investigate how new technologies might contribute to more ecological, economic, and social sustainability.
Without a question, most countries strive to adhere to the objectives of sustainable development. In essence, this means not only maintaining future generations’ growth potential but also promoting social justice inside and between nationals, as well as within national borders.
Concentrating on ecologically beneficial forms of production and consumption, for example, could help address forward-looking studies on the effects of digitalization, climate protection, and energy system transformation. In the realm of higher education, we should strive to employ technology to bridge the gap between technological progress and social implications.
To begin with, sustainability cannot be “mandated” or regarded until the finished technology is established. Rather, fundamental sustainability concepts must be incorporated as early as feasible in the development of new technologies to extend the research perspective of technology assessment [1].
This strategy is intended to produce technical solutions that contribute to societal sustainable development through the application of sustainable design principles while also addressing how to improve the sustainability of innovation processes and how to share technological breakthroughs in a sustainable manner.
Sustainable design as an approach includes environmental, social, and economic issues to develop ecologically responsible and resource-efficient goods, buildings, and infrastructure throughout their existence. Green roofs, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation, and energy-efficient lighting are examples of such features. It can also include the use of sustainable materials and the incorporation of natural aspects such as green spaces and natural light into the design. Sustainable design can help to reduce the environmental effect of buildings and infrastructure, improve occupant health and well-being, and make communities more livable and resilient.
All those examples are also often referred to as technology. That is the main reason why we need to find a way to make it easy to transfer technology wherever there are needed. Technology is crucial to sustainability because it allows for the development and implementation of more efficient and environmentally friendly products, processes, and systems. Here are a few examples:
Renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, can reduce reliance on fossil fuels while also lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Smart grid systems, can improve energy efficiency and reduce waste by allowing for better management and distribution of electricity.
Energy-efficient building technologies, such as LED lighting and smart thermostats, can reduce energy consumption and lower emissions. Energy-efficient LED lighting is quickly replacing traditional incandescent bulbs in American homes and is expected to achieve 84 percent market share by 203[2].
Electric vehicles, can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease air pollution.
Water treatment and conservation technologies can help to reduce water waste and improve water quality.
Precision farming, for example, is a sustainable agricultural technology that can enhance crop yields while using less water and other resources.
Industrial recycling and waste management technologies can help to reduce waste and pollution.
Technology can help achieve sustainability by increasing efficiency, lowering resource consumption, and limiting environmental effects.
Technology can play a critical role in helping to create a more sustainable future for all by enabling the development and implementation of more efficient and environmentally friendly products, processes, and systems. Some ways that technology can help to sustain a better future for all include:
Increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources: as we mentioned earlier, technologies such as smart grid systems, energy storage, and renewable energy systems can help to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Improving water and waste management: Technologies such as water treatment and conservation systems, and industrial recycling and waste management can help to reduce water waste and pollution and improve the overall sustainability of our communities.
Enabling sustainable transportation: Electric vehicles, bike-sharing systems, and public transportation systems powered by renewable energy can help to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Advancing sustainable agriculture: Technologies such as precision farming, precision irrigation, and crop monitoring systems can help to increase crop yields, reduce water use and improve the overall sustainability of agriculture.
Supporting sustainable design and building: Technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), smart building systems, and sustainable materials can help to reduce the environmental impact of buildings and infrastructure, and improve the health and well-being of occupants.
Facilitating sustainable communities: Technologies such as smart city systems and sustainable urban planning tools can help to create more livable and resilient communities.
Encouraging sustainable consumption: Technologies such as product tracking and transparency, and e-commerce platforms can help to increase the transparency of products and enable consumers to make more sustainable choices.
By utilizing technology, we can create more efficient, sustainable systems and reduce the negative impact of human activities on the environment, which in turn will lead to a better future for all.
Technology has had a profound impact on society and the environment. On the one hand, technology has permitted many breakthroughs that have enhanced people’s quality of life around the world, such as improved communication, transportation, and information access. On the other hand, technology has exacerbated several environmental issues, including pollution, climate change, and resource depletion.
Environmental impact: The manufacture and disposal of technological items can have a major environmental impact. For example, mining minerals for electronic devices can devastate habitats, and disposing of outdated electronics can result in harmful pollution. Additionally, technology products often require large amounts of energy to operate, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Social impact: technology can have both positive and harmful effects on society. On the one hand, technology has the potential to connect people, encourage education, and improve information access. Technology, on the other side, can lead to social isolation, addiction, and the propagation of misinformation. Furthermore, because access to technology is not always equitable, technology can worsen societal inequities.
Economic impact: Technology has the potential to have a substantial economic influence. For example, it may result in employment displacement and automation, but it may also result in the creation of new jobs and possibilities. It can also contribute to increased economic growth and productivity.
Political impact: Technology has the potential to have a huge impact on politics. It can, for example, increase citizen engagement and participation in the political process, but it can also be used to disseminate misinformation and propaganda, undermining democracy.
As you would have understood technology has the potential to be a strong force for good, but it is critical to be aware of its negative consequences and to use technology responsibly, in a way that is sustainable for the environment and society.
Overall, A human-centered approach to sustainability prioritizes addressing the needs of current and future generations while safeguarding the planet’s natural resources. This strategy considers the social, economic, and environmental elements that influence people’s well-being and attempts to balance them in an equitable and sustainable manner.
Through a human-centered approach, technology plays a key role in attaining sustainability. It can help to improve energy efficiency, minimize waste, and increase natural resource production. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, for example, can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Smart building technologies can also enhance energy efficiency and lessen a building’s environmental effects. Digital technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data analytics can also be utilized to improve resource consumption and eliminate waste.
It is crucial to highlight, however, that technology is not a panacea for sustainability challenges. A human-centered approach also addresses technology’s social and economic ramifications, ensuring that it serves all members of society. Furthermore, technology should be implemented in a manner that respects human rights and promotes social fairness.
How does technology help a human-centered approach to achieve sustainability goals with design?
Technology can help a human-centered approach to achieve sustainability goals through design in several ways:
Designing for efficiency: Technology can be leveraged to create more energy and resource-efficient goods, buildings, and systems. Building information modeling (BIM), for example, can assist architects and engineers in designing buildings that are more energy-efficient and have a smaller environmental imprint.
Adaptability design: Technology can also be utilized to create systems that are more flexible to changing conditions. Smart building technology, for example, can be used to monitor and modify heating, cooling, and lighting systems in response to weather and occupancy changes.
Designing for engagement: Technology can be leveraged to create more engaging and interactive systems for users. The Internet of Things (IoT), for example, can be used to create buildings that provide real-time information on energy usage and resource use, which can assist drive people to save resources.
Designing for community: Technology can be utilized to create more inclusive and engaging systems for communities. Using digital platforms, for example, can help to improve community interaction and participation in the design and planning of sustainable activities.
Monitoring design: Technology can be utilized to create systems that monitor and track the performance of sustainable systems. Sensor networks and data analytics, for example, can be used to track and assess the environmental performance of buildings, transit systems, and other infrastructure.
It is vital to stress that technology should be utilized in a way that respects human rights and promotes social fairness, and it should be incorporated into a design process that includes all stakeholders, where all perspectives are heard and considered in the design process.
As we are discussing humans and their interactions with technology. This gave rise to another component of design known as UX (or User Experience design). The question then becomes, How Can UX Make Products More Sustainable? By examining the whole lifecycle of a product, from its design and development to its usage and disposal, UX design may make goods more sustainable. This involves choosing environmentally friendly materials, designing products that are simple to repair and upgrade, and developing interfaces that encourage energy-efficient usage. Furthermore, UX designers can create goods that are intended to be reused or recycled rather than being discarded. Overall, the purpose of sustainable UX design is to produce products that are both practical and eco-friendly.
We hope that by this point you are beginning to understand how important it is to include sustainability ideas in design. We must keep in mind that sustainability is a concept that may be utilized in almost all facets of daily life. Its core objective would encompass securing better alternatives in face of disaster or unprecedented damages but also serve as a guarantee that we can have a better life today and our children will still stand a chance to benefit from the same innovations. When applied to the design of everyday things and services, sustainability makes what we can call in that context sustainable design. And sustainable design has lots of benefits and advantages. we want to walk you through some of the successful sustainable designs we read.
Since the rise of sustainable design, designers have been asserting that sustainability has a much stronger case than just environmental reasons: There is also a viable economic argument for designing buildings with environmental benefits [1].
Even when no formal certification is sought, sustainability is baked into most new commercial and multifamily housing projects, but when it is (and competitors are in the field) the certification of choice for many developers is still U.S. Green Building Councils Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
Diana Mosher studies some sustainable designs relating to housing. One example of a sustainable building she wrote about is the University of California Irvine’s NET-ZERO HOUSING. The University of California (UC) is well-known for its dedication to sustainability, particularly since the implementation of its carbon-neutral policy. When Plaza Verde student housing debuted in September 2019, the net-zero project (which is still pending final LEED Platinum certification) was hailed as the greenest housing complex in the entire UC system by the Provost.
Plaza Verde features an all-electric system that eliminates the need for natural gas and employs cutting-edge technologies such as heat pump water heaters and an electric outdoor grill system, among other energy-saving equipment. “We soon decided that because natural gas is a nonrenewable energy source, this building would not have any natural gas service,” Kasdan added. A central boiler system is a common energy-efficient technique for providing hot water in large buildings, but there is currently no electric boiler system that can serve a building of this size. As a result, each apartment received its own electric water heater and heat pump.
The sustainability of Plaza Verde extends beyond building and into operations and resident behavior. Ceiling fans improve the facility’s comfort and efficiency while lowering the campus’s overall energy consumption. Water-saving plumbing fixtures contribute to significant reductions in potable water consumption. Students are also encouraged to use alternate modes of transportation; bike storage holds over 760 bikes, and the Irvine site provides access to many public transportation lines as well as near walking proximity to community facilities.
David Lancor, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, is an architect and associate principal with Clark Nexsen. He conducted a case study with the redesign of Rhodedes Hall, UNC Asheville’s 1950s Academic Building, Rhodedes Hall, UNC Asheville’s 1950s Academic Building, serves as a case study of the economic value of sustainable design: it achieved an annual 46.8 percent decrease in energy use and a nearly 25 percent decrease in energy costs.
The findings from the research presented help the design community to implement strategies that not only achieve the building energy-savings goals, but also address occupants’ needs regarding comfort and utilization of the space, creating a total system of efficiency for users and building managers, and thereby achieving all three components of sustainability: reductions in environmental impacts, increased societal outcomes, and lowered financial costs [2].
The design team was able to find the most cost-effective alternative for the project by conducting a comparative life cycle cost study of different grades of glazing and their impact on the tonnage required for the mechanical system. This option provided immediate cost savings while also saving the owner money over the life of the building.
Water-efficiency techniques in green buildings help to reduce water use by encouraging stormwater capture and the use of non-potable sources.
One of the biggest benefits of green buildings is the lower cost of upkeep: With specifically engineered design elements helping reduce power and water bills, these energy-efficient structures can save the business and residential owners a bundle. All these categories can benefit from having a building certified as Green and increasing operating efficiencies. In addition to UNC Asheville’s interest in reduced operational costs and energy use, UNC Asheville values water management and conservation, making reducing water usage central to our design process [2].
It is already common knowledge that placing a green roof on a building helps to reduce energy use, absorb runoff, and combat air pollution. Green roofing benefits go beyond aesthetics, from reduced stormwater runoff and urban dust to energy-efficient cooling.
It is important to stipulate here that ecological design does not address the core issue of whether the product is needed within the context of total sustainability. Designing for reusability and recyclability is generally seen as an easier choice where increasing energy efficiency or decreasing emissions might lead to fewer environmental impacts (Goggin and Dewberry, 1997).
Andrew Sadler, a renewable energy specialist, presents seven criteria for sustainable construction. Principles that we believe are important to mention. Constructions certainly have consequential impacts on the environment. They are accounted to be causing 45% of total UK carbon emissions for example. To ensure that building projects are as sustainable as feasible, environmental factors such as the 7 principles of sustainable construction must be considered from the very beginning of the construction process. The seven principles of sustainable construction proposed by Andrew Sadler are a technique for contributing to a better built environment while reducing our overall carbon footprint. They cover areas like sustainable design, durability, energy efficiency, waste reduction, indoor air quality, water conservation, sustainable building materials.
To sum Andrew Sadler’s 7 principles up, we can say that :
The early planning and design of a building have a significant impact on lowering energy consumption and pollution. The earlier you incorporate sustainable construction into your design, the more sustainable the building will be.
Referring to durability, the astonishing antiquity of Austrian structures demonstrates the longevity of construction materials. These structures are excellent examples of how to construct modern, sustainable structures.
Increasing energy efficiency will help you save money by cutting fuel usage, which reduces CO2 emissions. This allows us to reduce our contribution to climate change.
Improving the energy efficiency of technology has the potential to drastically cut energy usage and emissions. Switching to environmentally friendly energy technology will transform your sources into services such as illumination, transportation, and heat.
Developers can now choose from a wide range of energy-efficient building materials. Insulating concrete forms, low-emissivity windows, structural insulated panels, and many other materials are available.
To be successful, you must execute your goal of producing an energy-efficient building throughout the concept/design stage.
Bad air quality, which is often produced by indoor pollution that emits dangerous particles, can have a severe impact on interior settings and people’s health.
Water is becoming an increasingly valuable resource, with pollution and climate change having a significant impact on freshwater supplies. You can recall this in the case study with the redesign of Rhodedes Hall, UNC Asheville’s 1950s Academic Building, Rhodedes Hall, UNC Asheville’s 1950s Academic Building where the designers made reducing water usage central to their design process and it worked. And finally, sustainable materials can be explained as materials that have no direct impact on the environment and do not use non-renewable resources
We also suggest having a look at the top 10 eco-friendly design trends of 2022 published by Srishti Mitra, a junior editor and a social media marketer at Yanko Design.
The research area of interaction design is concerned with how humans use technology. It can be applied to develop more sustainable, effective, and user-friendly systems. Utilizing interface design to develop long-term solutions has gained more attention in recent years.
As the globe grows more interconnected, it is crucial to think about how our actions affect the environment. In other words, there is a need for rethinking existing systems to equitably meet the needs of a growing global population while ensuring future environmental viability is a critical task for today’s society [1]. To achieve sustainable development, we must satisfy the requirements of the present without sacrificing the needs of the planet. Meeting current requirements without sacrificing the capacity of future generations to meet their own demands is necessary for sustainable development. This entails developing systems that are socially just, environmentally friendly [2], and commercially viable.
A vital part in achieving sustainable development goals can be played by interaction design. For instance, we may entice individuals to use public transportation instead of private vehicles by creating user-friendly interfaces. We can also help consumers conserve money and the environment by creating apps that encourage users to use less energy. Since sustainable design focuses on creating the future rather than just a structure, Sustainability is both a process and a product issue. Understanding design as a process enables designers to assess and foresee the financial, social, and economic consequences of building things more accurately [3].
Although designing for sustainability has many difficulties, it is a significant and rewarding field of employment. We can create solutions that will actually change the world in which we live with careful preparation and imagination.
To argue that our future is full of ambiguity and that there are few certainties about how we will live in the future is an understatement. However, there has never been a more crucial time to plan for a more sustainable future for people. That’s why creating an effective interaction design process for a more sustainable future should be taken seriously.
Interaction design will fully fulfill its goal which is to give users a positive experience while fostering connections with the digital environment. When designing with this concept in mind, one must concentrate on giving each element of their experience, including the surroundings, meaning. Designers must comprehend all the components of sustainability, from renewable energy sources to water conservation methods, in order to efficiently do this, and use those resources to develop practical solutions.
Empathy, which involves comprehending users’ needs and responding to them in a way that makes sense to them, is at the core of any successful interaction design process. To make sure their ideas are both usable and practical in the long run, designers must take into account the types of technology people currently have access to as well as those they may have in the future.
Designers must concentrate on developing strategies for progressively delivering improved user experiences after they have a clear grasp of the people they are trying to assist. To do this, fresh creative ideas can be informed by data gathered from numerous touchpoints across various platforms. This enables us to anticipate changing technological trends and ensures that our ideas will still be useful in the future.
When developing interaction design methodologies for a sustainable future, designers may equip people all over the world with resources that change the world by taking into account all these variables. Interactive designs can act as catalysts for social transformation by granting everyone access to the knowledge they need to pursue their aspirations and create a brighter future together, whether it be through the creation of opportunities for education or the provision of resources for food production.
As the world becomes increasingly digitalized, it is more important than ever to consider how our design choices can impact the environment. Interaction design has a lot of potentials to help create a sustainable future, through things like increasing efficiency and reducing waste. For example, designing user interfaces that are easy to use and understand can help reduce the need for paper instructions or disposable packaging. And by making products and services more efficient, we can help conserve resources and reduce emissions.
There are lots of small ways that interaction designers can make a big difference in creating a sustainable future. So let us commit to using our skills for good and make the world a better place! Interaction design is a powerful tool to help create a sustainable future. The way information is presented, and the tone of the message can be used to influence people’s decisions. For example, if an environmental organization were to simply tell people to stop using plastic, they would likely not be taken seriously. However, if they were to explain the long-term effects of plastic pollution and why it is crucial to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics, their message may be more persuasive. By understanding how different tones can affect people’s attitudes and behavior, designers can create experiences that inspire positive action.
In addition to tonality, interaction design can also use visuals and animations to help make a message more impactful. For instance, designers could create visuals that illustrate the effects of climate change or show what steps people can take to reduce their carbon footprint. In this way, interactive designs can help make complex topics easier for people to understand and provide them with tangible actions they can take to contribute towards a sustainable future.
Finally, interaction design can be used as an opportunity for collaboration between businesses and individuals. Designers could create platforms that allow companies to connect with local communities in order to promote sustainable practices or develop interactive tools that allow individuals to track their own sustainability efforts over time. By providing users with a platform where they can work together towards a common goal, designers have the potential to create powerful experiences that unite people around environmental initiatives.
Overall, interaction design has the potential to play a key role in creating a sustainable future by influencing tonality, using visuals and animations, and fostering collaboration between businesses and individuals. With thoughtful design approaches, designers have the power to inspire positive action towards environmental initiatives and ultimately shape the future of our planet – one design at a time! As we look to the future of our planet, it is clear that we need to find new ways to create a more sustainable society. One way that interaction designers can help is by using our skills and expertise to create solutions that are environmentally friendly.
This publication aims solely to find an answer to the question of how can interaction design contribute to #sustainability, in an attempt to show on one hand some of the hidden faces of new technologies and on the other hand our share of responsibility as actors and users of digital tools and services in the drought and disasters we are currently experiencing, but also to promote some design approach that can ensure sustainability in the use of new technologies. We believe that design plays an important role in the development of products and services we use every day. “Design is a complex endeavor, covering many disciplines. Engineers create bridges and dams, as well as electronic circuits and new materials.” wrote Donald Norman in his book The Design of Everyday Things.
So, what is Interaction Design and how could it help in designing sustainable solutions? Interaction Design“is the design of interactive products and services” in which the focus of the designer extends beyond the item under development to include how users will interact with it. Thus, a close examination of users’ needs, limitations, and contexts, among other things, enables designers to tailor the output to meet specific demands. It is also useful when creating physical products, as it explores how a user might interact with them.
For instance, everyone who uses the internet and new technologies should be aware that they are two-edged swords. Climate change is more than just a scourge caused by deforestation, the use of chemical fertilizers, and the use of fossil fuels. Let me assure you that the #digital industry is not an immaterial industry. New technologies have a direct negative impact on the #environment, even if we don’t see it. According to studies, #digitalization emits far more CO2 and consumes far more fossil energy than we realize. A smartphone, for example, consumes 80 times more energy than a car (see illustration below). Recently, youths in Switzerland have expressed concern about data centers’ use of electricity, particularly during the energy crisis, and have begun to inquire about the measures the government will propose to reduce the digital footprint of the data consumed.
llustration-by-chad-hagen
The objective of interaction design is to develop products that help users achieve their goals as effectively as feasible. It is a set of “techniques and tools” that enable designers to address actual issues, which has a variety of advantages. If we want to effectively gain benefit from various advantages that Interaction design principles offer, we have to encourage decision-making at each stage of the design process that will lessen adverse effects on the environment and the health of the inhabitants without sacrificing the bottom line should be made possible by combining a sustainability concept with a “design philosophy”. It is a comprehensive, integrated strategy that promotes “negotiation and trade-offs”.
Humans can now communicate more easily as a result of technological advancements. But what are we willing to give up for those advantages? The sustainable design aims to reduce negative environmental and health impacts. Technology has streamlined our lives and improved our comprehension of the world. The key focus is that we are building not just for ourselves or for our immediate needs, but also for the future. This suggests once more that interaction design’s main goal ought to be sustainability. However, the term “sustainability” nowadays is quite ambiguous. To align with our topic, we will emphasize that designing for sustainability also entails designers, specifically interaction designers, taking an approach in product development processes that will provide better user experiences while not compromising on social, environmental, and ecological issues. Furthermore, Eli Blevis, professor of Informatics in Human-centered Computer Interaction Design at the Luddy School of informatics, computing, and engineering at Indiana University, Bloomington wrote a paper entitled Sustainable Interaction Design: Invention & Disposal, Renewal & Reuse where he went further in describing the concepts of sustainable Interaction design. Blevis provided us with a clear image of what sustainability should entail by emphasizing the interplay between people and nature from a more behavioral perspective. According to him, “The focus is primarily on environmental sustainability and the link between interactive technologies and the use of resources, both from the point of view of how interactive technologies can be used to promote more sustainable behaviors and—with more emphasis here—from the point of view of how sustainability can be applied as a critical lens to the design of interactive systems, themselves”.
Interaction design may contribute to sustainability by providing interfaces that make it simple for users to conserve energy. Designing systems that provide feedback on energy usage, creating incentives for energy-saving behaviors, and making it simple for users to modify settings that affect energy consumption are all examples of this.
Another critical part of interaction design for a sustainable future is the development of longer-lasting products and services. This can include creating systems that are easily upgraded and repaired, as well as mechanisms for recycling and reuse. This not only reduces waste but also helps to conserve resources.
In addition to encouraging ecological sustainability, interaction design can also help to promote social sustainability. This includes creating technologies that are accessible and inclusive to everyone, regardless of ability, age, or background. As well as considering the impact on underprivileged communities and striving to develop technologies that aid and empower them.
Overall, interaction design has a significant impact on the development of technology and society. Interaction designers can contribute to a more sustainable future for all by addressing the ecological and social consequences of their designs.
