CALL FOR PAPERS

Human Technology: An Interdisciplinary Journal on Humans in ICT Environments

Special issue: Human–Technology Choreographies: Body, movement, and space

In interaction design and related disciplines, the focus of research tends toward technological objects rather than the movements relating to interacting with the objects. Even when movements are considered, the emphasis is placed on their instrumental value, that is, how movements have direct effect on the functions of technology. However, the emphasis of this special issue of Human Technology: An Interdisciplinary Journal on Humans in ICT Environments rests upon technological objects and how they are used. In other words, the editors of this special issue seek submissions that emphasize intentional human movement in the physical and social “life-world” in which humans encounter technological and virtual artifacts. The term choreography here refers to meaningful continuums of movement that humans, as individuals or as groups, experience during interaction with technology.

In daily life, each technological design constitutes choreographies of varying scopes: Technology may enable, limit, or control human movements and other behavior. Human–technology choreographies can involve anything from subtle finger movements to the movement of crowds in public spaces. A choreographic orientation brings forth all the opportunities and options that interaction designers have available for defining movements, movement qualities, and choreographies required in the interface with the various devices so prevalent in contemporary living. Human movement is never a mere structure that could be handled without also affecting the inherent meanings it embodies.

We seek contributions that challenge current thinking and critically acknowledge the role of bodily movement as a basic element in a profound understanding of relationships between humans and technology. We propose choreography as a key concept through which the movement-centered phenomena present in interaction with technology could be better acknowledged, reflected on, and understood. Varying orientations on the subject are welcome. These may include, for example, interaction design, product design, architecture, phenomenology, or embodied cognition, as well as more broad cultural, societal, artistic, educational, or philosophical accounts. Reports on empirical studies are welcome, as are movement-centered reinterpretations of prior research and theories. The themes include (but are not restricted to):

Choreographies and Design
Designing by moving: Sketching meaningful and situationally appropriate physical interactions
Moving by design: Acknowledging how technology makes us move
Issues of body as an instrument of control
Handling imaginary (ideomotoric) movements of a subjective space
Rethinking HCI design theories and methods through movement
Movement trajectories in urban environments
Spatiality of choreographies: topography, kinesphere, skinesphere, inner space
Temporality of choreographies: rhythm, pulse, tempo
Choreographic Sustainability
Technologies colliding with everyday choreographies in public and private spaces
Game-changing impacts of technology on infrastructures and habits of movement in spaces
Choreographies of globalization: A way towards homogenization?
Visions of urban environments: Spaces and moving agents in “smart” cities
Aesthetics of movement in spaces
The ethics of human–technology choreographies: Shaping the responsible future
Choreographies and the technologized self
Wearable technologies in our life: Something that tags along or is blended into?
Self-monitoring and quantified self
Effects of wearable and mobile technology on body-image and body consciousness
SoMe-tized life: Personal and interpersonal choreographies in both physical and virtually “extended” spaces of social media
All submitted papers (a minimum of 7,000 words) will be evaluated for suitability within the scope of the special issue and readiness for peer review. The emphasis of manuscripts published in Human Technology rests upon the human component in human–technology interaction; therefore, better papers will highlight the implication and/or benefits for humans and society.

Papers accepted for publication in Human Technology must follow the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, (6th ed.). Author guidelines are available at http://www.humantechnology.jyu.fi/submission/

This call for papers is open from May 1 to August 28, 2015. Human Technology uses a journal management system. Authors wishing to submit papers for publication consideration are to upload the paper via the link humantechnologypublishing.jyu.fi and the corresponding author must complete the required information.

Guest Editors: Antti Pirhonen, Kai Tuuri & Cumhu Erkut