What makes the flow - Understanding the immateriality of screen-based interactions

Abstract: Building upon previous research done on interactivity attributes describing the aesthetic quality of interactions, this paper aims to explore the sense of ow in screen-based interactions, narrowing down to the finer details that make the personality of the interactive experience. The goal is to provide a deeper knowledge on the concrete, expressive qualities of screen based interaction, being “the immaterial material” moulded in the design process. The relevant information for practicing designers is the awareness of what emotions certain interactions elicit and how interactions can be used to convey brand personality.The process conducted followed a research through design methodology, as the aim was to explore the defined design space rather than answer a specific problem. Two major user studies provided insights and refocus in the process along the way to the final result: a set of guidelines and a prototype embodying them. The guidelines provide some details on designing flow experiences on a mobile screen, and are to serve as inspiration and reference to future work and design practice. The prototype, called ‘The Embodiment’ serves as an illustration of the guidelines, as mere words are not able to fully describe the dynamic quality.