From Natural to Non-Natural Interaction: Embracing Interaction Design Beyond the Accepted Convention of Natural

Abstract

Natural interactions feel intuitive, familiar, and a good match to the task, user’s abilities, and context. Consequently, a wealth of scientific research has been conducted on natural interaction with computer systems. Contrary to conventional mainstream, we advocate for “non-natural interaction design” as a transformative, creative process that results in highly usable and effective interactions by deliberately deviating from users’ expectations and experience of engaging with the physical world. The non-natural approach to interaction design provokes a departure from the established notion of the “natural,” all the while prioritizing usability—albeit amidst the backdrop of the unconventional, unexpected, and intriguing.