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Authors:

 Azubel, Roberto; Coronel, Juan López; Muñoz, Patricia ; Pereyra, Nora;; Torroja, Agustina.

Title:

 Do intelligent objects need programmed users?

Keywords:

 corporeal knowledge, proprioception, movement performance, dynamism, interactivity

Abstract:

 The application of computer science in industrial design products has evidently brought important profits. However, the unending search for comfort puts this concept in crisis, extending sedentary living to unthinkable limits, far away from the idea of wellbeing.
Objects imply, favour and define conducts that correspond to our social daily practices. Users select and organise their artificial nature according to their preferences. However, they finally adapt themselves to habits that objects suggest (for better) or prescribe (for worse). Intelligent objects for daily use (such as musical equipment, toasters, coffee makers and microwave ovens) offer greater profits than electromechanical products. However, they need a user whose life is more methodical, programmed and predictable.
The message these objects veil, maybe for decency, should be uncovered. Users should understand the changes that new products would introduce in their living environment, in their ways of behaviour. Purchase choices should be based not only in visual or functional attributes, but also in their impact in daily activities.
However, a paradox exists. What is controversial for a standard user: the increasing passivity justified in the eternal pursuit of comfort, for a disabled person means achieving independence and autonomy.
In our country- Argentina- most intelligent objects are designed and produced abroad, satisfying unfamiliar requirements. However, in our big cities, there is a market that understands, values and embraces technological advances in every day objects. Some people even adore them as idols/symbols of progress and status. In order to achieve the revolutionary equity that computer science claims, the possibility of being excluded for economic reasons should not exist. If not, it will increase the fracture between coexistent realities in the same country.
For these reasons, assuming the risk of being considered naive and idealist, we believe that in order to build a better future it is necessary to promote policies that guarantee the access to new technologies for people with low economic means. Together with the consciousness users gain -related to product selection-, it would break the premature discouragement that the markets try to impose, resigning us to an unjustified idea of weakness and submission.
Azubel, Roberto. Universidad de Buenos Aires Industrial Designer, graduated at the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urban studies of the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is Publicity Technique as well, graduated at FAECC. In 1992, he worked in Paris, France, for the Publicity Agency "Raison Pure". At present he is member of the teaching staff for Industrial Design degree courses, in the subject Morphology, at the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urban studies of the University of Buenos Aires. He is Director of a Design Studio, whose main field of action is Industrial and Graphic Design and P.O.P. Design.

Coronel, Juan López. Universidad de Buenos Aires Industrial Designer, graduated at the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urban studies of the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. At present he is member of the teaching staff for Industrial Design degree courses, at the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urban studies of the University of Buenos Aires. He is also Professor in Product Design studies at the Institute of Technology ORT. He works in research projects at the Laboratory of Morphology, of the University of Buenos Aires. He is in charge of Seminars on CAD-CAM technologies at the Argentine Institute of Packaging. He is Director of the Design Studio DABLE, of the group Radiar, whose main field of action is Industrial Design products and packaging, involving CAD-CAM technologies and Moulding Engineering.

Muñoz, Patricia. pamun@teletel.com.ar Universidad de Buenos Aires http://www.fadu.uba.ar/munioz Industrial Designer, graduated from the Faculty of Arts, National University of La Plata, Argentina. Since 1979, she works in education at the University. At present she is Professor of Morphology in Industrial Design degree courses, at the University of Buenos Aires and at the National University of Córdoba, Argentina. She carries out research projects at the Laboratory of Morphology, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urban studies of the University of Buenos Aires. She is member of the Directive Board of the Society of Morphological Studies of Argentina (SEMA).

Pereyra, Nora. Universidad de Buenos Aires Designer in Visual Communications, graduated from the Faculty of Arts, National University of La Plata, Argentina. For twenty-three years she has worked in education and research at the University. At present she is Assistant Professor in Industrial and Graphic Design degree courses. She is also Professor at the Foundation University of Cinema (FUC), and co-ordinator in Graphic Design studies at the Institute of Technology ORT. She works in research projects at the Laboratory of Morphology, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urban studies of the University of Buenos Aires. She is member of the Society of Morphological Studies of Argentina (SEMA).
Torroja, Agustina. Universidad de Buenos Aires Industrial Designer, graduated at the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urban studies of the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. At present she is member of the teaching staff for Industrial Design degree courses, in the subject Morphology and Industrial Design, at the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urban studies of the University of Buenos Aires. She has collaborated in research projects at the University. She is Associate of the Design Studio DABLE, of the group Radiar, whose main field of action is Industrial Design products and packaging, involving CAD-CAM technologies and Moulding Engineering.