Summary
Conventional in-depth interviews and observational research place a premium on what people say and the way they interact with a product or design as a means to understand user needs. However, the bias in Western thought that spoken language is a synonym for expression overshadows the essential role of non-verbal communication to convey meaning. In this talk, Dr. Dane DeSutter will show you that the physical components of our expression—gesture, body posture, gaze etc.—offer researchers a unique perspective on people, our social systems, and the ways we engage with our designed environments. This talk will broaden your awareness of the embodied mind and demonstrate the value of studying the body when untangling high value problems in design and beyond.
Key Insights
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Gestures provide a bridge to understand users beyond verbal communication.
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Embodied cognition suggests that our thinking is shaped by our physical experiences.
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Gestures can reveal underlying mental models more effectively than spoken language.
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Research on embodiment has grown across various fields, emphasizing its interdisciplinary relevance.
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Observing gestures can deepen analysis by addressing contradictions in user responses.
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The body influences how we interact in social contexts, affecting communication and collaboration.
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Designs should support rather than hinder the natural flow of user interactions.
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Embodied actions can illuminate how environment influences user experience.
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Gestures are spontaneous forms of expression that can convey complex thoughts and feelings.
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Utilizing existing data with a focus on embodied actions can lead to innovative insights and solutions.
Notable Quotes
"Our bodies profoundly influence the way that we think about ourselves, others, the world, and everything in it."
"Gesture and embodied actions serve as a window into the embodied mind."
"Language can be vague, imprecise, and even contradictory."
"The embodied mind is involved in every aspect of cognition."
"Our embodied experiences of perceiving and acting help us understand everything from the concrete through to the abstract."
"The design of current AI interfaces creates a feeling of anthropomorphism in user interactions."
"Physical therapists are wary of technology that might disrupt their hands-on approach."
"It's essential for designs to maintain the relationship between clinician and patient."
"We should strive to support the collection of subjective data during interactions."
"Computing is moving away from screen-based interactions, inviting new ways to understand user experience."
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