|
I present three examples of work in an emerging new field
of culturally rooted computing and culture conscious product
design in the context of developing nations. Against the backdrop
of the proliferation of ICT in developing nations, these projects
show how the aesthetics and visions of ancient cultures can
shape both new forms of computing technology, and how ‘culture’
can drive innovation. The large numbers of traditional design
talent in developing nations must not be seen merely as a
market for ‘Silicon Valley’ based products and methodologies,
but rather as an opportunity for innovation and a rethinking
of the forms of computing for all of the world.
The
award winning Crossing exhibit project illustrates new forms
of interfaces inspired by and based on cultural forms of India’s
city of Transformation, Banaras. Installations and products
of the Crossing exhibit show culturally rooted design as well
as interactions with digital content that challenge the key
board and mouse forms of interactions with workstations.
The
Vrindavan Physical-Virtual Authoring Tool explores a multimedia-authoring
environment that allows village children in rural India to
compose digital representations of their sacred city, Brindban
composed through physical tactile media as well as digital
multimedia.
The
Gaadi No. 1 project illustrates how communities in Asia personalize
their technology, and how a technology whether a computer,
a vending kiosk, or an automobile can serve as an extension
of cultural identity and expression, and in turn how ornamentation
is an essential design need. Given the needs of these emerging
communities, culturally rooted computing will play an important
factor in making technologies usable and accessible to people.
Key
words: Culture conscious computing culturally rooted computing,
The Crossing, Tangible Interfaces, Personalization and cultural
customization of technology.
June
10, 2003 |