Bio-cost: An Economics of Human Behavior

Written for Guest Column in ASC / Cybernetics of Human Knowing

Much of human behavior is directed toward goals: finding food, selling services, curing cancer, making meaning.

Achieving goals requires action. Action requires effort. Effort requires energy and attention applied over time.…

What is conversation? How can we design for effective conversation?

Written for Interactions Magazine by Hugh Dubberly and Paul Pangaro.

Interaction describes a range of processes. A previous “On Modeling” article presented models of interaction based on the internal capacity of the systems doing the interacting [1]. At one extreme, there…

What is Interaction? Are There Different Types?

Written for Interactions magazine by Hugh Dubberly, Usman Haque, and Paul Pangaro.

When we discuss computer-human interaction and design for interaction, do we agree on the meaning of the term “interaction”? Has the subject been fully explored? Is the definition settled?

Cybernetics and Service-Craft: Language for Behavior-Focused Design

Written for Kybernetes by Hugh Dubberly and Paul Pangaro

Abstract
Argues design practice has moved from hand-craft to service-craft and that service-craft exemplifies a growing focus on systems within design practice. Proposes cybernetics as a source for practical frameworks that enable understanding…

Notes on the Role of Leadership and Language in Regenerating Organizations

We collaborated with Michael Geoghegan, Paul Pangaro, and Peter Esmonde to produce a booklet for Sun about leadership and language.

Below are a few interior spreads. You can also download a PDF of the entire booklet.