SharIN’House. Shaping interactions within IoT ecosystem through tangible interfaces

Emerging forms of interaction and interfaces transcend traditional social constructs, shaping and being shaped by cultural and technological shifts. As everyday life patterns evolve, interest in co-living solutions is growing, driven by the need for flexibility and rising housing costs. These dynamics rely on interconnected product ecosystems, where tangible interfaces convert quantitative data into qualitative insights, shaping user behaviour. While the Internet of Things (IoT) enables this exchange through connected devices, design guides interactions by offering explicit feedback that fosters engagement. This research explores the intersection of IoT ecosystems and product development through a laboratory setting, where international designers investigate the behavioural effects of emerging technologies. The study unfolds in two phases: a qualitative field study using ethnographic methods and surveys to analyse interactions in shared spaces, followed by a speculative design approach embedding sensors to collect user-environment data. Actuators then convert this data into adaptive product configurations, transforming quantitative insights into qualitative feedback. Through an analysis of outcomes, this study establishes a framework for impact-share design, mapping behavioural effects in human-technology interactions. The dual cause-effect approach shows how IoT data transforms into qualitative insights, enhancing design for behavioural change. The research underscores how interconnected products shape shared environments, guiding future interactive design.