Design approaches in digital technology-aided interpersonal communication

In this paper, from a designer's perspective, I will propose design approaches that should be considered in designing communication forms and interfaces of Digital technology-aided Interpersonal Communication (DAIC). The principle issue will be addressed during in-depth reviews of a number of key issues that raised from recent technological usages by users and related technological experts. I conducted open-ended interviews and questionnaires as an exploratory study. In order to identify key technologies and appraise their problems and potential, data from the exploratory study are utilized in evaluating them in relation to their potential to support the unique communication possibilities of DAIC. I identify the issues of computer, wireless mobile, and speech and vision interface technologies as key technologies for DAIC, and I propose ‘fluidity’ as a significant provision of the technologies and should be further vitalized with respect to an important design issue 'customizability.' The 'customizability' is proposed as one of the main deliveries that should be considered in designing communication forms and interface of Human-to-Human Interaction (HTHI) in DAIC.