One Week in the Future: Previs Design Futuring for HCI Research

Abstract
We explore the use of cinematic “pre-visualization” (previs) techniques as a rapid ideation and design futuring method for human computer interaction (HCI) research. Previs approaches, which are widely used in animation and film production, use digital design tools to create medium-fidelity videos that capture richer interaction, motion, and context than sketches or static illustrations. When used as a design futuring method, previs can facilitate rapid, iterative discussions that reveal tensions, challenges, and opportunities for new research. We performed eight one-week design futuring sprints, in which individual HCI researchers collaborated with a lead designer to produce concept sketches, storyboards, and videos that examined future applications of their research. From these experiences, we identify recurring themes and challenges and present a One Week Futuring Workbook that other researchers can use to guide their own futuring sprints. We also highlight how variations of our approach could support other speculative design practices.
Description
This is the authors’ post-print version of the work. The definitive version will be presented and published in the Proceedings of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. CC BY-SA 4.0. CHI ’22, April 29-May 5, 2022, New Orleans, LA, USA https://doi.org/10.1145/3491102.3517584
Keywords
design futuring, prototyping, previsualization
Citation
Ivanov, A., Au Yeung, T., Blair, K., Danyluk, K., Freeman, G., Friedel, M., Hull, C., Hung, M., Pratte, S., & Willett, W. (2022).One Week in the Future: Previs Design Futuring for HCI Research. Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.