Attention-Preserving Tangible Interfaces: Using Physicality and Materiality to Preserve Attention in the Home

Ambient interfaces and calm technology have tried to address attention concerns by operating peripherally in the background. However, as smart home devices increasingly demand attention, we propose a different approach: primary interfaces can employ “least sensing” or “sensory reduction” as attention-preserving mechanisms. Physical privacy-preserving mechanisms have become increasingly common in smart homes, from camera covers to mechanical microphone switches, giving users direct control through physical interaction. Building on this trend, this full-day studio introduces “attention-preserving tangible interfaces”—tangible interfaces that preserve attention through sensory reduction rather than peripheral operation. Through hands-on activities, participants will explore how primary interfaces might be designed to reduce sensory engagement, speculating on what attention-preserving tangible interfaces might look like in smart home contexts. This studio is particularly relevant as smart home devices proliferate and compete for attention, offering an alternative vision of technology that respects rather than demands our focus.