Erikka Marie Sørensen
IOS Direct / Deichman-Hylla / This is the internet
Imagine if the phone was build to guide, not distract
Intro
This project was developed as part of the course "Experimentation in Digital Aesthetics," with a primary focus on challenging conventional thoughts about interfaces.
The goal was not to solve problems but to explore possibilities, think long-term instead of short-term, and appreciate slowness over efficiency. The main submission consisted of a demonstrative video presenting the solution.
Research
In our project, we explored the impact of technology on daily life and its relation to trust, community, and anti-efficiency. We found that simple technology was trusted more than complex technology, and observed differences in communication styles on social media. We also noticed a growing need for manual and relaxing activities in society. Our mobile phones often contradicted this need.
Hypotheses
Based on our findings, we formulated two hypotheses. Firstly, that community arising through technology has greater value if the interaction is immediate and not constant. Secondly, that technology becomes more useful and purposeful if it enhances our ability to think rather than doing everything for us, which would also increase trust in technology among the population.
Definition
So, what if we explored the idea of a passive, non-intrusive phone that supports but does not dominate our attention? What if technology functioned more in line with the rhythm of nature? And what if the phone actually helped us make conscious choices and thoughtful actions while not bombarding us with continuous notifications?
Introducing the new iOS update: iOS Direct.
Paper sketches
The overall ide over this sketch was to downsize the impression of notifications on yout home screen. The reason was grounded in our research and based on the finding that technology that seems simple was more trustworthy.
Proposal
Previously, the interface was loud, distracting, and irritating. But now, we have created a simple interface that only allows direct actions and not browsing. You speak or type what you want, and the phone takes you there immediately. We have removed the home screen to reduce unnecessary distractions and provide a seamless experience.
On the home screen, there will be two icons to choose from: one for the voice version and one for the text version of the interface.
Nature
The project draws inspiration from nature to design the interface. One of the main elements is a voice function that allows the user to interact by speaking. The background will vary depending on the user's physical location, making them more aware of their surroundings.
IOS Direct is inspired by natural elements and is based on the design philosophy of natural aesthetics by Heydays.
Scenario
You are in the forest and want to find the nearest shelter cabin (gapahuk). You use the typing function on iOS Direct and type "find nearest shelter cabin." iOS Direct now presents you with several service providers offering the same service. You choose Google Maps, and immediately you are directed to Google Maps with the pre-filled search term.
iOS Direct focused on creating an intuitive and natural interface that supported users' needs and reduced distractions.
By combining inspiration from nature with modern technology, this could serve as a thought-provoking concept for the design of a new phone.
What I have learnd
In this project, we conducted a deep dive into how mobile phones and technology impact our everyday lives. It has especially made us aware of how technology can be designed to capture human attention, which, in my opinion, borders on manipulation.
In this project, I have learned patterns in interfaces that can distract the user and tried to explore ways to support rather than confuse. What I take away from this project is being conscious of how the design I create can influence the user's daily life, and also that efficiency is not always a positive thing.
Time frame: 27.03.23 - 28.04.23
Type of prodject: academic
Tools:
Figma
DaVinci
Resolve
Team: Ingrid Holsten: Ux designer, camera women, reasche
Erikka Marie Sørensen: Ux design, actor, film editor, reasche
Vilde Storfjell: Ux designer, camera women, reasche