More-than-Human Game Design : Playing in the Internet of Things

Akmal, Haider Ali and Coulton, Paul (2021) More-than-Human Game Design : Playing in the Internet of Things. Acta Ludologica, 4 (1). pp. 72-92. ISSN 2585-8599

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Abstract

The design of objects requiring human interaction often revolves around methods such as Human Centred Design (HCD). Whilst this is beneficial in many cases, contemporary developments of technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT), which produce assemblages of interactions, lead to the view that human centred approaches can prove problematic leading to the proposal of adopting more-than-human perspectives. This paper discusses the creation of a novel board game designed to explore a more-than-human design view for IoT products and services by addressing problematic issues in relation to user data privacy and security within the IoT which arguably arise from the application of traditional HCD approaches. By embracing Object-Oriented Philosophy, The Internet of Things Board Game creates an ontographic mapping of IoT assemblages and illuminates the tiny ontologies of unique interactions occurring within these digital and physical networked spaces. Here the gameplay acts as metaphorism illustrating independent and interdependent relationships between the various ‘things’ in the network. The paper illustrates how critical game design can help develop potential new design approaches as well as enabling users to better understand the complex digital/physical assemblages they create when utilizing IoT products and services in their everyday lives.