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Knowledge Base Repository

In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.

Contextualizing sensor data: integrating user voice in data-driven design

Johnson, Karl; Ahmed-Kristensen, Saeema

Type:
Papers
DS 145: Proceedings of the DESIGN2026 19th International Design Conference
Year:
2026
Editor:
Štorga, M.; Škec, S.; Martinec, T.; Marjanović, D.; Pavković, N.
Author:
Johnson, Karl; Ahmed-Kristensen, Saeema
Series:
DESIGN
Institution:
INDEX, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, United Kingdom
Page(s):
2363-2372
DOI number:
10.1017/pds.2026.10594
ISSN:
2732-527X (Online)
Abstract:
Data-driven design increasingly relies on sensor data, yet these thin measurements often lack the experiential context needed to explain why events occur or what users feel and need. This limits their value for human-centred design. Passive and active contextualisation are introduced to describe how meaning is produced through inference and user participation. A real-world case study using See.Sense cycling data from Melbourne shows how combining thin and thick data produces more situated understanding and actionable design insight.
Keywords:
data-driven design, user-centred design, sensor data, thick and thin data, active travel
DESIGN2026 - The 19th International Design Conference
Conferences

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