Reading #8 : Interaction Design in the University: Designing Disciplinary Interactions

Reference

Interaction Design in the University: Designing Disciplinary Interactions

Gale Moore,Danielle Lottridge

CHI10 - Atlanta

Summary

This paper asks whether the traditional university can accommodate those who are in the relatively new 3rd paradigm of HCI, sometimes called the phenomenological matrix. The paper presents the three categories of multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary work and explains their differences. It then highlights the trouble that transdisciplinary work has being recognized in the common university setting. While disciplines are often encouraged to collaborate, they are all usually expected to produce or “take home” some contribution to their respective fields. This is not always the case in fields like interaction design. This paper calls for adjustments in the typical system of reward and recognition in the university in order to better support this new way of producing knowledge. The paper cites two examples, highlighting the more interpretive and new style of collaborative efforts. Overall the paper encourages a dialog within the community on the topic.

Analysis

This paper was an interesting read, which encouraged me to think of the systematic way the university operates. I agree with the authors, that in today’s setting scholars are often judged based on their publications in the most highly regarded journals of their fields. The new style of “transdisciplinary” work doesn’t lend itself to always yielding something publishable in one’s own traditional journal. This could pose a problem for those interested in working in this manner. While I do see the merit in the arguments, I also question if we should still require some contribution back to an original field. At the time of writing, it isn’t popular to focus solely on transdisciplinary studies. Usually they emerge as a result of many individual’s specialized knowledge in specific fields. Maybe our journals and academic departments just need to be a little more open to accepting non-traditional work.