HCI as heterodoxy: Technologies of identity and the queering of interaction with computers

As digital technologies are woven more closely into identity formation, society needs ways to keep tools flexible to many versions of self-presentation and avoid perpetuating the political status quo through conservative and apolitical designing. This paper explores one route, drawing on Queer Theory to look at resistance to computer formalisation of identity through queering. Several case studies explore how we might apply the oblique route to design of a range of technologies that help users define themselves. In particular, forgetting, obscuring, cheating and eluding are activities held up to counter computer strengths and offer a more flexible vision of interaction design for the future.

Research highlights
► We explore the how designing can perpetuate the status quo in gender relations.
► We suggest how space is made, not for specified values, but for values to emerge.
► We introduce Queer Theory and contrast it with forms of critical design practice.
► We present design practices to subvert computer strengths and encourage mutability.