Personal Interaction Design. Introducing into the Design Process the Discussion on the Consequences of the Use of Personal Information

Sensors and devices which gather personal data have become pervasive, and so have the digital solutions which use these data to tailor and improve services for users. The collection, storing, use and sharing of these data, however, raise concerns about possible future consequences. Thus, management of personal data has become a critical task for the design practice. This chapter illustrates the basic knowledge and tools that brought about the definition of the Impact Anticipation Method as an outcome of the PhD research. It helps designers consider the impact of the use of personal information that goes beyond the broadly considered problem of privacy. It aims to elicit awareness in designers about the data implied and data flows of the designed solution, about the involved and possible actors that acquire value through the use of personal data, and the possible positive and negative consequences of its use. It considers impacts on the aspects of self-awareness, action performance, interpersonal relationships, and social agency.