Antiquarian answers: book restoration as a resource for design

As technologies age, they experience wear and degradation, sometimes resulting in loss of functionality. In response, parts are replaced and software is updated. Yet restoration—the process of returning something to a previous condition, often regardless of its instrumental value—is a relatively rare practice with computational technologies. The aim of this paper is to enrich HCI design practices by considering the material qualities of restoration. We consider what makes a technology worth restoring and what constitutes the process of restoration by examining data collected from a three-month apprenticeship-based qualitative study of bookbinding. Building on relevant literatures, we offer antiquarian books—long-established information technologies—as a lens onto the ways values are enacted through material engagements. We conclude with a discussion of restoration’s role in HCI. Author Keywords Handwork, skill, material, tool, handcraft, books, binding. ACM Classification Ke...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2011
• Where: CHI
• Authors: Daniela K. Rosner, Alex S. Taylor
• Keywords: CHI 2011, Computational Technologies, Human Computer Interaction, Instrumental Value, Material Qualities