In week seven, we talked about the importance of narration in design and the use of telling stories.

Telling stories is an essential thing that had always been a part of us. When thinking about fairytales, it has always been a way to impart knowledge.

Due to storytelling, it will be easier for someone to relate to a person or a situation. Stories provide a real context; at its center, there are real people. It serves as a way to keep things grounded and closer to the human experience.

Through stories, we can enhance empathy, show innovation, and playfully explain the idea. It leads to a better understanding. Don't forget that it is also a way to show the experience by using that product.

When we think about companies, it goes hand in hand with the company's story. What's their corporate behavior, philosophy, etc..

It is also important to mention that we do have a responsibility for truthfulness when we're telling a story. Overuse could be contra-productive and manipulative.

Using stories isn't just helpful in selling the product; it is also an excellent tool in the innovation and ideation process; it allows us to think outside of the box. Stories can be freeing our minds and widen our imagination.

Readings

Auger, James. 2012. “Demo or die: Overcoming oddness through aesthetic experience”. In Why Robot? Speculative Design, the domestication of technology and the considered future. PhD Thesis. RCA, London.

Hertz, G. & Parikka, J. 2012. “Zombie Media: Circuit Bending Media Archaeology into an Art Method”. In Leonardo. 45:5. 424–430.

Ishii, Hiroshi & Ullmer B. 1997. “Tangible Bits: Towards Seamless Interfaces between People, Bits and Atoms”. In Proceedings of CHI ‘97.

Ishii, Hiroshi, Lakatos, D., Bonanni, L. & Labrune, J. “Radical Atoms: Beyond Tangible Bits,Toward Transformable Materials”. In Interactions. 19:1. January/ February 2012. 38-51.

Kim, J., Lund, A. & Dombrowski. 2010. “Mobilizing Attention: Storytelling for Innovation”. In Interactions.

Loch, Christopher. 2003. Moving Your Idea Through Your Organisation. In Laurel, Brenda (ed.). Design Research. Methods and Perspectives.