A designerly critique of Activity Theory Kshitiz Anand Laura Brunetti Jason de Runa School of Informatics, Indiana University

Overview Activity theory Activity: engagement of a subject toward a certain goal Human activity is mediated by tools Describes what the individual or group is trying to accomplish

Activity theory

Activity: engagement of a subject toward a certain goal

Human activity is mediated by tools

Describes what the individual or group is trying to accomplish

Overview Why did this person come up with this way of thinking?

Why did this person come up with this way of thinking?

Activity Theory in Action Activity trying to support? Exploring an art museum. A visually impaired person.

Activity trying to support? Exploring an art museum.

Activity Theory in Action Activity trying to support? Exploring an art museum. to learn about the artifacts on display

Activity trying to support? Exploring an art museum.

Activity Theory in Action Activity trying to support? Exploring an art museum. Lack of knowledge about artifacts.

Activity trying to support? Exploring an art museum.

Activity Theory in Action Activity trying to support? Exploring an art museum. Learning about the artifacts

Activity trying to support? Exploring an art museum.

Design Theory What is a “designerly way of thinking”? Complexity Influence Design judgment Design in practice

What is a “designerly way of thinking”?

Complexity

Influence

Design judgment

Design in practice

Critique How is it designerly: Addresses complexity Influences our design Judgment

How is it designerly:

Addresses complexity

Influences our design

Judgment

Critique How it falls short It’s a goal oriented theory Context Ensoulment: value vs. meaning

How it falls short

It’s a goal oriented theory

Context

Ensoulment: value vs. meaning

Activity Theory vs Design Theory Context Complexity Goal-Oriented Open-Ended Mediation Ensoulment

Context Complexity

Goal-Oriented Open-Ended

Mediation Ensoulment

Thank You

Thank You