On the integration of design fiction prototypes into the ubicomp design process

Within ubicomp research literature a novel type of prototype, referred as Design Fiction prototype, has received some attention in recent years. While such prototypes appear to have significant potential to inform ubicomp design how to integrate them into the ubicomp design process is a question that has not recieved adequate attention thus far. In an attempt to answer the above question a design experiment was carried out at the Umea Institute of Design where the integration of design fiction prototype into the ubicomp design process was examined in two different ways: one, after establishment of requirements and development of design concepts, following the prevalent ubicomp design process and two, at the very beginning of the design process following the design process prevalent in traditional design disciplines. In this paper, I briefly discuss the deign experiment carried out and reflect on results. I conclude the paper by pointing out that the problem focused nature of the prevalent ubicomp design process is not conducive to leverage the advantages offered by such prototypes whereas the solution focused design process prevalent within the traditional design disciplines appears to offer better opportunities.