A little Interaction Design History.
Much of how we interact with computers -and other people using them- nowadays was demo’d nearly 60 years ago.
An exhibition at the London Design Museum showcases many of the artifacts that set and mark the agenda of the Californian (techno-)utopism that shapes so much of our lives today. California: Designing Freedom, May 24 – October 15, 2017.
The Guardian gives a brief impression of the exhibition.
And a related article in the same newspaper addresses a particular aspect of the cultural context of these developments: “Designers on acid: the tripping Californians who paved the way to our touchscreen world”.
I found it quite enlightening to hear some of the protagonists of this story reflect over dinner.
Memorable quote: “It’s just packaging man”.
If you want to read more about this story: Fred Turner’s book “From counterculture to cyberculture” is an entertaining read.
Barry M. Katz gives a perspective on the role that design played in his book “Make it New”.
If (tendentious) visual story telling is more your thing, watch Adam Curtis’ 3- episode documentary (?) “All watched over by machines of loving grace”.