[IxDA Discuss] "Elements of Interaction Design"

[Dave Heller]

Dan Saffer wrote:
> As I noted on Dave's blog, I think negative space is simply the  
> element of time, acting like a rest does in music. There is no  
> negative space between pressing a key and seeing a letter appear on  
> the screen, only time passing. It's time that creates the rhythm of a  
> product.
>
>   
I didn't have a chance yet on my blog, but I might as well respond here.
I disagree with this. I do not agree that Time is the negative space. 
Yes, time passes during periods of negative space, but time is an 
inactive concept. What we are controlling here in controlling negative 
space are moments of inactivity, or passivity. So as "white" is negative 
in graphic design, passivity is negative in interaction design.

and in retrospect, I think that "time" is not a really an aspect at all. 
Time is a monitor, or a measure, but is not an aspect or element. But 
rather it is the duality of activity vs. inactivity or your combination 
of motion vs. time combined together that are much more powerful and 
that would speak directly to behavior when you think that interaction 
design is a dialog of reference between at least 2 separate entities 
(user and product/system).

I love the example I gave where "doing nothing" creates systemic change. 
Even at the thought level. So what is the "negative" in that case. if it 
is Time, there is nothing negative going on, b/c "doing nothing" still 
has "motion" from the system and even change in inertia within the 
system, reacting the level of "nothingness" (if you will). But user 
"inactivity" is really what is "not" happening, or negative here.

I think that the notion of time being negative space, to me is not 
relating to the fact that something not happening is a happening in and 
of itself, it is a decision, or an action. The example of "rest" within 
music is one type of negative space of music, and has tremendous effect 
on aesthetics within the music. John Cale's 4:33 is a great example of 
that, no? heh heh heh. (Ok, I'm realizing I have the performer and song 
title both wrong ... oh well ... help?)

-- dave


-- dave