from interaction to agency
TRANSCRIPT
Hello.
chaos data beauty swarm behaviours
#
Live Questions: @idid
From Interaction To AgencyAnd Other Musings on The Meaning of Life
sqrt(1764)
Part 1: Theoretical FramingDeterministic vs. Non-Deterministic Weltanschauung Self Organisation and Interaction Agency
Part 2: Enabling Emergence(Brussels Airport Strategy Development) Modulating the Design Process: Interactive Negotiation
Deterministic ScienceThe deterministic world was based on the belief that if one could grasp the exact initial conditions of a certain phenomena, one could predict
exactly its evolution through time by using the according rules of nature.
William Blake / God The Geometer
Ernst Haeckel
Our understanding of the world around us shapes our
definition of beauty
Gödel's incompleteness theorems
If an axiomatic system can be proven to be consistent from within itself, then it is inconsistent.
1931
predictive science, the more so determinism, is limited by the precision of our measurements and that minute changes in the initial conditions of a system can lead to spectacularly different results. We shall never be able to grasp or measure to such an extent any natural event.
reactions: chaos and complexity
New Patterns Emerge
Reality is a flow of matter-energy animated from within by self-
organisation processes
(Manuel DeLanda)
#self-organisation
#emergence
#emergenceEmergence describes the unexpected appearance of novel features of a system, features which either enrich or transform the respective system into a new one.
is a set of dynamical mechanisms whereby structures appear at the global level of a system from interactions among its lower-level components
#self-organization
agency: the capacity of an entity or process to act in a given environment; consciousness
Swarm behaviours
separation alignement cohesion
by adding & changing rules you
can simulate, predict and design
distribution networks
circulation networks
urban growth
you can curate news
you can enable information to spread illegally
you can enable and foster creativity
descriptive science killed the narrative: it does not allow for the `unexpected`
it is still useful, though.
TL;DR
enter nonmodernity #BrunoLatour
#self-organisation#emergence
Objects are defined only by their network of interactions.
#ANT
We are part of the swarm of decision makers whose actions lead to the emergence of large scale structures (that we loosely call the nature-culture assemblage.)
What is our role?
Modulating The Process
the importance to create & use tools that enable meaningful interactions
(that eventually lead to the emergence of positive features)
#takeaway
Interactive Negotiation Tool
A feasibility study for a large PPP real-estate development in centre of Brussels
Usually, the deliverables are
• historical & contextual analysis • gross estimate of maximum and minimum amount of m2 • a list of possible functions that can be implemented • rough financial feasibility • volumetric studies based on zoning regulations • etc.
± 30 A4 pages.
Nevertheless,
this approach was not really going to work out
StakeholdersReal-estate developers The Vlaamse Overheid
The Architects/Urbanists
Financial Feasibility Social Impact Political Relevance Architectural & Urban Constraints
Parameters
GOV
DEV ARCH
GOV
politicians
policymakers
architects
real estatedept.
banks
investors
CSR
DEV ARCH
us
GOV
politicians
policymakers
architects
real estatedept.
banks
investors
CSR
DEV ARCH
SHORT TERM
PROFIT
COOLNESS
SOCIAL
IMPACT
QUALITY
RESIDUAL GROUND
VALUE
LONG TERM GAINS
GIN&TONIC BARS
GET
RE-E
LECT
ED
Gre
en e
nerg
y?
Too expensive.
The stakeholders did not speak the same language &
did not share the same interests
GOV
politicians
policymakers
architects
real estatedept.
banks
investors
CSR
DEV ARCH
?
A “dj mixer” that will allow intuitive control of relevant parameters, provide users with direct feedback regarding choices and be relevant to all stakeholder groups, regardless of their background.
Interactive Negotiation Tool
step#1
intuitive parametric control
friendly feedback
so much numbers
step#2
1. categorise & visualise parameters 2. hide inner-mechanics 3. emphasise end results 4. emphasise the flow of information
Strategies
First UX Sketches
kosten
inkomsten126.309.089
saldo42.429.429
42.429
42.429
42.429.429
42.429.429
6.309.089
kosten
inkomsten126.309.089
saldo42.429.429
6.309.089
IRR: 5% IRR EV: 12%
#codefaster
#codeEvenfaster
• financial development decisions • functional variety (offices, housing, hotel, leisure, etc.)
1. Categorise & Visualise Parameters
• more than 70% of information taken up by secondary calculations that only 10% of users understand
• makes it look complex&reliable
2. Hide inner mechanics
• you can not see the important numbers!!1!1 • #frigginobvious
3. Emphasise end results
4. Emphasise the flow of information
off the chartdatabase
Parameters
m2 calculations
Netto Present Value
Profit
Residual ground value
• users gain a global understanding of the process • they become aware of the trade-offs involved • they appropriate the other stakeolders; point of view
Emphasise the flow of information
so much coolso happy
