Designing with Image Schemas: Resolving the Tension Between Innovation, Inclusion and Intuitive Use

Until recently, designers who set out to design user interfaces that are intuitive to use, innovative and inclusive of users of different ages did not receive much support to reach all three goals in one solution. It was assumed that products that are intuitive to use could not also be innovative or inclusive, because they would have to rely on mimicking previous technologies to tap the prior knowledge of their users. In this paper, we propose image-schema methodology as a tool to circumvent this problem. We show how image schemas can be applied within a user-centred design process using Contextual Design methodology. The evaluation of the resulting interactive prototype of an audio entertainment application shows that the requirements for inclusive design, intuitive use and innovativeness can all be reached in the same product. These results are promising, and open up new directions for further research.