Alexander Roebling BFA Communication Design Thesis Spring 2017
As screens become more and more integrated into our lives, it is more important than ever that the way we interact or even subconsciously react to these interfaces is in response to design that improves or compliments our lives and doesn’t clutter or detract from them. At the heart of this project lies two concepts that have driven it throughout the process. First, finding ways for people to have more control over the aesthetics of the screens in their lives, and second, applying graphic design sensibilities and creative processes to products of engineering. I’ve created a plan and schematic for a touchscreen smart-home system. It begins with a conceptual home that includes smalls screens in places of convenience. I’ve illustrated the use of the screens with four commonplace home interfaces that I’ve redesigned utilizing multi touch gestures; lights, blinds, thermostats, and plant watering. Alongside this I’ve conceptualized a web platform that allows for users to browse a catalog of interface redesigns and apply them to their own home system, as well as provide the ability to change location of the interfaces. In my concept, the screens in your home are proximity-based and only illuminate when they are to be used and provide haptic feedback so as to create a more intuitive and quick interaction. This is a unique and attainable product, and speaks to many modern industrial and interactive design standards and theories.