Designing XR: A Rhetorical Design Perspective for the Ecology of Human+Computer Systems

The long-standing cultural imperative of augmenting human intellect is moving closer to its full manifestation, with immersive technologies and advanced computation creating advanced, multi-minded human+computer (H+C) systems. Peter (Zak) Zakrzewski's book Designing XR presents H+C immersion as a multi-dimensional design problem that addresses the creation of more participatory, socially viable, and humane immersive media environments. It proposes a framework for the design, implementation, and iteration of purposeful, multi-minded, participatory immersive H+C systems and an extended reality experience (XRX) design practice that rhetorically invites users to actively engage with immersive systems while fully exercising their autonomy and agency based on informed choice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2022
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

The long-standing cultural imperative of enhancing human intellect is steadily advancing towards its ultimate realization, as envisioned by Marshall McLuhan, as an extension of the human nervous system. The growing convergence of immersive technologies with advanced computation has paved the way for the emergence of a novel domain, enabling socio-technical system makers to create not only human-computer interactions but also advanced, multi-minded human+computer (H+C) systems.

A crucial shift towards user immersion within systems of digital information and simulation has the potential to impact human life, culture, and well-being on a scale unlike any previous medium.

In his book, Designing XR, Peter (Zak) Zakrzewski presents H+C immersion as a multi-dimensional design problem, a Research Through Design (RTD) zone that seeks to address the question of how transformative design-thinking-based knowledge systems can complement the existing human-computer interaction (HCI) invention model to contribute to the creation of more participatory, socially viable, and humane immersive media environments.

The book outlines a proposal for fostering the development of ecologically sound augmented minds based on two fundamental tasks. The first involves a framework for designing, implementing, and iterating purposeful, multi-minded, participatory immersive H+C systems. The second focuses on the extended reality experience (XRX) design practice, which rhetorically invites users to actively engage with immersive systems while fully exercising their autonomy and agency based on informed choice.

Through this comprehensive approach, Designing XR offers valuable insights and strategies for designing immersive media experiences that are both technologically advanced and socially responsible, paving the way for a future where technology and humanity converge in harmonious and transformative ways.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802623666