Developing new uses and meanings leads to fresh innovations
28.10.2014
Finland's future is built not only on technological innovation, but also the ability to see things differently.
According to Aalto University researchers Yichen Lu and Virpi Roto, innovations do not always need to be based on new technology, rather they can also be created by attaching new meanings to existing goods and services.
‘If a designer is able to change the meaning of a product or service, it may be possible to bring about a radical change in significance and a successful product with old technology as well,’ says design researcher Virpi Roto.
As examples of world-changing products the researchers cite the 60's mini skirt, as well as the Nintendo Wii, which made video games social. These were not cases of new technological innovations but rather changes in meaning or use.
‘In the case of the mini skirt the change brought forward a new experience of independence and boldness; in Nintendo Wii's case the new experience was brought about by physical activity and being together.’
The focus of Lu and Roto's research were a group of Finnish metal industry companies from the FIMECC Research Programme in User Experience & Usability in Complex Systems (UXUS). In the research, new uses were found for the services of the companies through experiential rather than functional goals; a company's internal information channel became a personal assistive tool and a metal materials sales brochure was utilised as a professional development support service.
New trend in human-centred design calls for a rich mental life and designing for relevant everyday experiences
Lu and Roto present their research at the Aalto University hosted international NordiCHI 2014 conference, which brings together over 500 human-centred design and interactive technology researchers.
Honorary guests at the conference include Design Guru Don Norman who has worked for Apple and HP and is currently the head of the Design Lab at the University of California. Don Norman wants to promote the idea that designing new uses can bring out radical innovations.
NordiCHI 2014 Conference, 28–30 October at Marina Congress Center, Katajanokanlaituri 6, Helsinki. Yichen Lu and Virpi Roto's research will be presented on Thursday 30 October at 13:30. Conference programme overview: http://nordichi2014.org/program/overview/.
Additional information:
Virpi Roto, Researcher and Conference Chair, Tel. 050 592 4031, virpi.roto [at] aalto [dot] fi
Anne Tapanainen, Communications Manager, Tel. 050 434 9711, anne.tapanainen [at] aalto [dot] fi