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This paper provides a nuanced perspective on the topic of user-centred design (UCD) in the human–computer interaction (HCI) field. After a brief outline of its emergence, we describe some of the central tenets of the approach, using the process model of Gulliksen et al. ( Behav Inf Technol 22(6):397–409, ) as a well-documented exemplar. We then examine in more detail some of the difficulties one can encounter in performing user-centred design (UCD), illuminating these issues through vignettes from specific projects in which we have been involved. In this paper, we focus on issues that can arise in working with children and with people of differing mental abilities. Our argument is that, while a user-centred perspective is required at all times in the design team, the forms of participation of users in the design process needs to fit the context and can vary significantly from that presented as the prototypical UCD approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an outline conceptual framework that may be helpful for those involved in the emerging area of 'affective design'. Historically, the shift from cognitive approaches that eschewed emotions towards a more encompassing conceptual approach that includes affective or emotive processes is understandable. A basic understanding of concepts such as affect and emotion are required in order to address many questions such as how to design to evoke affect and how to predict user emotions? We utilize concepts from Activity Theory in order to understand the world of 'feelings'. The latter involves several different levels and classes, principally those of affect, emotion and sentiment. Feelings involve important psychological processes, although they have received minimal attention within the mainstream cognitive frame until very recently. The intent of this paper is to provide a coherent conceptual frame for the discussions within the interaction design and HCI communities concerning such terms as emotional interfaces, hedonic design and affective design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of an interactive computer media installation in Shannon Airport, Shannon, Ireland. The installation consisted of a computer system that allowed users to display their own digital photographs in a gallery area on a nearby wall. The photographs could be manipulated and rearranged in a variety of ways. The article discusses airports as public spaces, the experiences of users at Shannon Airport, the process of concept generation, the development stage of the project, the lab evaluation of the design, and the final public exhibition.