Sites of Encounter : Engagement Potentials and Considerations for Encompassing Respect

Abstract: In this work, I address challenges of situated alienation from people and place. Using interaction design for placemaking, light is shed on a design space of social places with opportunities for planned and spontaneous activities to be done alone, with known people or with strangers. In research through design, four conceptual design instances were created, drawing from first-person and participatory perspectives, to unpack potentials for engagement and considerations for encompassing respect (meaning vigilant of neoliberal capitalist and masculine power relations). I contribute with sensitizing questions making interaction design aspects more accessible for designers entering this public design space.