Title: Theory and Practice in Interaction Design: Recent Work
Speaker: Mark Watson
Date:
Time: 3:30pm
Place: Thorvaldson 105
Abstract:
HCI (Human Computer Interaction) has largely concerned itself with the evaluation and creation of useful, usable interfaces. But does usability provide a rich enough language to understand our work? For contemporary practitioners, an application's usability may very well be a secondary objective. This is especially true in communications projects, where the dissemination of an idea, message, or emotion is the goal. I will present a theoretical approach that I have employed over the past few years. This is then related to a variety of work that I have produced, directed, or contributed to over the past 3 years. This work ranges from architectural environments, mobile applications, digital kiosks, and digital strategies.
Biography:
Mark Watson is a creative director, designer, and computer scientist. Mark received his B.Sc. Hons. and M.Sc. in computer science from the University of Saskatchewan. After graduation he turned his attention to human-computer interaction, working at several high-profile research and design groups. In 2008, he started the Office For Integrated Design (OFID), a small, interdisciplinary design firm focusing on institutional work. Mark joined InViVo Communications in February 2010 as their Interaction Designer and was named their Associate Creative Director in September 2011. He maintains the OFID as his private practice. His work focuses on interaction design, design strategy, and communications. Mark has designed and directed the creation of environments, videogames, kiosks, mobile applications, websites, and communications pieces. He has worked with some of the largest companies in the world, with a focus on the Pharma and Biomedical industries.