Jihad Jammal
Intro to IM
Professor Aaron Sherwood
Reading Reflection Week 4
Feb. 12, 2024
Reimagining Interactivity in the Digital Age
After reading “The Art of Interactive Design,” I find that Crawford’s definition of interactivity has a significant impact on how we use technology in our daily lives. It forces us to reevaluate not just how we create technology but also how we interact with it in our daily lives. I agree with Crawford’s focus on the conversational, cyclical aspect of engagement, which draws attention to the contrast between the promise of digital technology to foster deep human connection and the transactional, often surface-level interactions they currently encourage (Crawford, 2003). This viewpoint calls for a more deliberate use of technology, pushing us to look for and produce really engaging experiences that promote sincere communication and comprehension.
Furthermore, Crawford’s research also poses important questions regarding the viability of this kind of in-depth communication in the framework of social media and mass media. In an age where algorithms are increasingly mediating digital connections, how do we create systems that facilitate meaningful discourse at scale? This motivates us to think of how users and designers might influence the direction of interactive design in the future (Crawford, 2003). Furthermore, it motivates users to seek out more deliberate technological engagement, moving from passive consumption to active involvement. It emphasizes the significance of promoting designs that value depth and quality of interaction, proposing a transition towards more human focused technology ecosystems, as someone who is interested in the larger effects of technology on society (Crawford, 2003).
Citations:
Crawford, C. (2003). The art of interactive design : a euphonious and illuminating guide to building successful software. San Francisco: No Starch Press.