BlocKit: A physical kit for materializing and designing for blockchain infrastructure

Irni Eliana Khairuddin, Corina Sas, Christopher Speed

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Blockchain is a disruptive technology, which has significantly challenged assumptions that underpin financial institutions, and has provoked innovation strategies that have the potential to change many aspects of the digital economy. However, because of its novelty and complexity, mental models of blockchain technology are difficult to acquire. Building on embodied cognition theories and material centered-design, we report an innovative approach for the design of BlocKit, a physical three-dimensional kit for materializing blockchain infrastructure and its key entities. Through an engagement with different materials such as clay, paper, or transparent containers we identified important properties of these entities and materialized them through physical artifacts. BlocKit was evaluated by 15 experienced bitcoin users with findings indicating its value for their high level of engagement in communicating about, and designing for blockchain infrastructure. Our study advances an innovative approach for the design of such kits, an initial vocabulary to talk about them, and design implications intended to inspire HCI researchers to engage in designing for infrastructures.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2019 ACM Conference on Designing Interactive Systems
Place of PublicationSan Diego, California
PublisherACM
ISBN (Electronic)978145035850
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Jun 2019
EventDesigning Interactive Systems (DIS) 2019 - San Diego, United States
Duration: 23 Jun 201928 Jun 2019

Conference

ConferenceDesigning Interactive Systems (DIS) 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period23/06/1928/06/19

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • blockchain
  • infrastucture
  • mental models
  • design kit

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