Mapping the IoT: Co-design, test and refine a design framework for IoT products

The Internet of Things is seen as a relevant driver of change in how everyday life will be shaped through technology. Since more and more products are designed to be connected and new smart objects are entering the global market, it is the right time to introduce a more critical design approach. As users we are witnessing a proliferation of app-based tech gadgets in which network technology is considered as products' core element, while the tangible aspects and sensorial qualities of the interaction provided by those are often left out. Therefore, seems relevant the necessity to define an approach to guide the design of this new class of products. This workshop addresses the need to reflect on how IoT products could be analyzed from a product design perspective. The aim is to identify a broad shared framework to examine and map them, that can be later used as a guideline generator for future design processes focused on IoT devices. Practitioners, researchers and professionals in the fields of HCI, industrial/interaction design, and technology are invited to join the workshop that will be divided in two key moments. First, they will be asked to elaborate on the topic, introduce their case studies and personal experiences. Consequently, to facilitate the co-design phase, an hands on approach will be taken via the "Mapping The IoT Toolkit". Participants will apply, test and freely modify the set of given tools in order to critically inspect, map, and design concept for new connected products.