Geo-epistemology
The quote "Geo-epistemology is the difference between knowing your neighborhood through detailed stories, a pictorial guidebook, a map, aerial photographs, the coordinates of a GPS receiver, or simply walking around." immediately stood out to me. It highlights how the presentation of information shapes our understanding and experience of a space, whether physical or digital.
This concept relates to my interest in digital comfort, as it emphasises how different methods of displaying information can create unique user experiences. For example, a storytelling approach to navigation might make an emotional connection to a place, while a GPS interface prioritises precision and efficiency. Neither method is inherently better than the other but rather, their effectiveness depends on the user’s needs or context.
This perspective explains the importance of catering information presentations for specific audiences. A corporate dashboard might focus on delivering precise, data-focused visuals, whereas an app for users with ADHD might engage more with simplified interfaces, visual cues, and storytelling elements to reduce cognitive load and increase engagement.
Rankin's emphasis on the tools of geo-epistemology as 'goggles' that shape but cannot be removed reinforces the idea that design choices always influence perception. As a user experience designer, this reminds me to be intentional in how I present information and consider not only what is shown but also how it will be interpreted and experienced by my chosen users.
For this task, I created a map of the 3rd floor of the Geoffrey Manton building, focusing on how comfort is created in the space and identifying areas that may cause discomfort. Instead of mapping physical elements like temperature or room usage, I chose to analyse the user experience of the space, particularly how navigation, layout, and environmental factors contribute to or detract from comfort.
To visually represent these factors, I used a colour-coded system:
Green represents comfortable areas, such as the wide open walkway around the central space. This ensures easy movement and clear visibility, preventing congestion and making navigation more intuitive. Additionally, signage at each corner is marked in green, as it provides clear guidance for locating rooms.
Blue highlights relaxing areas, such as the alcoves with sofas on either side of the floor. These spaces offer a quiet retreat for students, away from the main walkways, making them ideal for relaxation or studying.
Orange indicates mild discomfort, including areas where there is congestion due to multiple rooms opening into a single hallway or an open staircase where people can be viewed from all floors. The crowding increases stress and slows movement and the lack of privacy can make users feel self-conscious.
Red marks areas of significant discomfort, such as inconsistent room numbering and hidden spaces. The lack of a logical order in room numbers can make it harder to locate specific rooms, leading to frustration and delays.
By mapping these elements, I was able to assess how the design of the space influences user comfort. Features like clear sign-posting, wide walkways, and designated relaxation spaces enhance comfort, while inconsistent room numbering and hidden spaces create unnecessary discomfort. This map visually communicates how thoughtful spatial design can improve or hinder comfort for physical and digital spaces.
Relating the Map to Digital Comfort in My Project
This mapping exercise directly connects to my project on digital comfort, which explores how working in a digital world for me, is understanding and executing methodical approaches to creating UX/UI designs for a smooth and comfortable transition for users moving between physical and digital spaces. Just as physical environments impact user experience, digital spaces also need to be designed thoughtfully to provide comfort, ease of use, and intuitive navigation.
By analysing the comfort and discomfort areas on the floor, I noticed several parallels between physical and digital user experiences:
Signposting and navigation to clear information architecture
On the floor, signage at key points improved comfort, while inconsistent room numbers created confusion.
In digital spaces, a well-structured navigation system, clear labels, and logical page hierarchies play a similar role in helping users find what they need without frustration.
Open and relaxing spaces to calm and intuitive UI design
The alcoves with sofas provide a break from busy walkways, giving users a dedicated, comfortable space.
In UX/UI, this could be translated into clean layouts, whitespace, and familiar design patterns that create a sense of ease and reduce cognitive overload.
Visual hierarchy and recognition to consistent UI patterns
The open central space on the floor makes the layout more predictable and less overwhelming.
Similarly, in digital interfaces, consistent visual patterns (such as button styles, colours, and typography) help users instantly recognise and understand elements, making interactions effortless and stress-free.
This mapping exercise emphasises the importance of designing with comfort in mind—whether in a physical space or a digital interface. My project will explore how UX/UI design can mirror real-world comforts, ensuring that users transitioning from physical to digital environments feel supported, guided, and at ease.