On Design Seams and Agency

Intentionally hiding the phenomena and materiality of interfaces, smoothing over the natural edges, seams and transitions that constitute all technical systems, entails a loss of understanding and agency for both designers and users of computing. Lack of understanding leads to uncertainty and folk-theories that hinder our ability to use technical systems, and clouds the critique of technological developments… as both users and designers of interface technology, we are disenfranchised by the concepts of invisibility and disappearance.

Arnall sees “invisible” design as more than just an issue of usability, but ultimately also an issue of user and designer agency. When details are obfuscated by design, we foster a culture that is unable to properly understand, critique, and reconfigure the things in our world.

Part of Arnall’s essay cites a number of design academics who write about the issues of “seamlessness” in design. These writers point out that it’s in the seams that people have the most opportunity to create and intervene. I like the metaphor of “beautiful seams” as a goal for design that is legible, accessible, and empowering.