Cybernetic Lenses for Designing and Living in a Complex World

Abstract

Cybernetics has an exciting history that profoundly influenced HCI theory and practice. However, today, designers, engineers, and researchers are often unaware of how to engage with this powerful approach to inform technology design. We believe a cybernetic lens is vital to investigating and designing technologies for today's complex environments. In this in person, half-day workshop called "Cybernetic Lenses for Designing and Living in a Complex World", we present three cybernetic lenses demonstrated in two case studies: "From mundane objects to systems - asking better questions for technology design", and "Transportation networks, from human-computer interaction to socio-cultural consequences". Our goal is to offer an inclusive environment to provide theory and practical exercises for participants to gain and incorporate a cybernetics lens into their practice.