Odd Interaction Concepts (OINC)

Odd Interaction Concept (OINC) is a design research practice focusing on ideation while rejecting traditional usability standards as the only measure of success. This is my PhD topic that I am developing together with prof. Astrid Weiss at TU Wien.

The design practice of OINC correlates strongly with Critical Design, however OINC focuses exclusively on the development of alternative interfaces and broadening the design space with more playful and immersive interactions.

These interactions may include unconventional inputs and outputs, body parts, sensory experiences, reflections, or critiques of technology. The artifacts through which we explore these interactions fall within three areas: artistic artifacts, research artifacts, and workshop artifacts.

OINC aims are twofold: to expand designers' possibility range and to integrate richer, more playful, and more immersive interactions into everyday devices. By providing a structured process for incorporating odd interactions into design practice, we seek to empower designers to leverage this approach in their everyday work.

Following the designer’s perspective, we wish to “normalize” these once-odd interactions in the eyes of the users. As they become accustomed to unconventional design elements, we expect that what was initially perceived as odd will gradually lose its novelty and become the norm, and the design cycle can begin again.

The impact of developing the OINC practice provides benefits to the broader field of interaction design. We imagine OINC as an ideation practice and ultimately aim for it to be used while starting the development of future technological devices and technology, resulting in richer, more playful and immersive, and often more inclusive and diverse interaction possibilities.

This project is still in development. If you want to stay informed about our progress, follow the OINC Instagram channel.