A Biocentric Perspective on HCI Design Research Involving Plants

Abstract

HCI researchers increasingly involve plants in their interaction design research, such as using plants as novel interfaces or sensors. While research involving other living entities, namely humans and animals is regulated, there exists no guidance for plants involved in HCI research. Motivated by biocentric philosophy, the present article makes a first attempt at addressing this gap. Commencing with a review of the development of research ethics, we show that as ethical concern has expanded from humans to animals, there is an argument for its expansion to plants. Through the lens of Respect for Nature, we then review the state-of-the-art in HCI design research involving plants. Our focus lies with ethics in the process of conducting research and its implications for the plants involved. We derive a set of actionable ethical design considerations for researchers involving plants in their interaction design work. Finally, our work aims to stimulate discussion on the involvement of plants in interaction design research.