Familiarity as a basis for universal design

Abstract

The aim of Universal Design is to make interactive artifacts usable by the broadest possible range of users and how best to achieve this lies at the heart of human-computer interaction (HCI). HCI relies on a variety of tools, techniques and a number of theoretical bases but it is specifically the use of metaphor which is of interest here. HCI has made a success of creating interactive artifacts but has always treated design in a typically dualistic manner with a clear distinction between “man and machine” and the use of metaphor itself is also based on an underlying dualistic ‘source-target’ structure. This paper presents an argument for familiarity as a basis for Universal Design. Familiarity, according to Heidegger, is non-dualistic; it is a fact of our existence, it is one of the primary ways in which we relate to the world. Familiarity is taken to mean a thorough knowledge of, or an intimacy with, something or someone and encompasses the ideas of involvement and understanding. The role of familiarity is illustrated by way of a study of a group of seniors learning to use a personal computer and the services it provides. Analysis of the resulting substantial body of interview and discussion group data leads us to conclude that to become familiar with technology is to integrate it into one’s everyday life - an everyday life which is correspondingly reconfigured. This perspective offers a holistic account of learning which has significant consequences for how technology is designed and introduced to everyone.