Cognitive Design

We are creating an internet of things where all objects not just computers, phones and webcams are networked and interacting with each other. Books, pens, cars, household appliances, RFID tagged objects,  body sensors or literally any “thing” is being wired and connected. This trend has big implications for cognitive designers. For example, it significantly extends the range of options for designing for behavior change.

Part of this trend includes using everyday objects as interfaces. For some interesting examples check out Core77′s 1-hour design challenge on gestural interfaces. They are still open for submissions if you are feeling creative.

My favorite is shown to the right. According to the designer: “Here’s a credit card that gets more jagged the more you use it! Be sure to pay it off before it becomes so sharp that you can’t even use it (without special gloves, sold separately).”