Context

Give examples of prior work, ideas and projects that influenced your design. What work informed this idea i.e. make links to the material in class and the cases/projects you uncovered in this module. Describe theory, concepts, and research from this module that relate to your outcome. 

Draw from your case studies and think pieces for this section

We were inspired by the magic-like features of smart home devices like the Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Smart home devices allow users to extend the attachment to technology into the physical world. In previous explorations in the class, our group was collectively interested in a design that emphasizes the unsaid intimacy between users and their devices. We were inspired by projects like Brad the Toaster and Uninvited Guests to explore the “smart”-ness of smart devices. We found it interesting how the Brad experiment produced an unexpected consequence in facilitating an emotional reaction and connection between users and the toaster. If the toaster got upset for neglect, people got concerned and seeked to make the toaster “happy”. This made users more aware of the toaster and formed a bond between the user and the toaster. Additionally, we were inspired by the amicable intentions of the Uninvited Guests in our utopian vision for the project. Specifically, we were inspired by the explorations of human agency in a world where everyday objects gained a level of agency and autonomy.