Philips Ambient Window

I chose the Philips Ambient Window as my Inspiring Interaction Design. My expression upon first encountering this video of how the window functions was very similar to the woman in video 1. I was truly amazed at how technology has progressed within the last few years and the diverse ways in which it is being put to use.  This new concept of interactive lighting from Philips plays with natural sunlight and strength and combines it with patterns and a color grid,  allowing individuals to customize, create and control the atmosphere in the room they are in. The concept also addresses the seven “good interaction design characteristics”.

Trustworthy-  The product is immediately considered trustworthy due to its association with Phillips, one of the worlds leading electronics companies, which is over a hundred years old and is globally recognized for its innovative products and high quality manufacturing.

Appropriate- The design is appropriate in terms of emotional and cultural context as we are in  technology driven cultures who yearn for simplicity and comfort in daily tasks, in this instance controlling the amount of light  in ones room. It is also appropriate considering the increasingly stressful lifestyles of individuals, particularly those who constantly travel, and could benefit from products that work with and enhance their mood. For example, the Ambient window helps counter jet lag and other sleeping disorders.

Smart- The design is smart because it is simple! It requires simple, straight forward hand gestures in order to function. 

Responsive- Whilst the hand gesture is being made, the design gives an immediate response, and this is indicated by the immediate pattern and colors that appear on the window.

Clever- The design is extremely clever in many ways. There is no way of controlling the strength of the suns light, which changes on an hourly bases. Curtains have been used for generations however cannot be changed hourly in relation to the suns rays. This design solves that problem and enables one to control the atmosphere in there room, making one in a sense in control of nature. The design understands its user and functions as a type of therapy. It also functions on solar power (not electricity or battery) therefore is a sustainable concept.

Ludic- The concept is indeed playful, it allows users to play with and create their ideal atmosphere in a somewhat magical way. Things that are playful are simple and comfortable, and this design merely involves simple hand gestures in the comfort of ones own room. In addition, mistakes are easily undoable.

Pleasurable- It is indeed a pleasurable design. The user is able to choose their desired pattern and alter the color grid whenever they choose. The design is very aesthetically pleasing, and can even be considered part of the rooms décor. Users will experience pleasure in its function, particularly as it aims to enhance the user’s mood and boost their energy level.

The one characteristic of the design process that most intrigues me and that I would enjoy participating in the design of would be the graphic design element. I would be interested in designing the range of graphic images and visual elements that could be projected onto the window, making them as natural as possible.

Credits

Philips Simplicity Event; Ambient Wondow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xki9SboDn4Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ip-SFp7Lkw&feature=related