TECHNOBIOPHILIAhow nature calms your wired life

Sue Thomaswww.suethomas.net

@suethomas#technobiophilia

1 October 2013 Cafe Scientifique

Bournemouth, UK

Images (c) Carolyn Black 2013

Metaphors of nature in cyberspace

Biophilia The innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes E.O.

Wilson 1984

Do you use nature images as screensavers or wallpapers?

Attention Restoration Theory (ART)R&S Kaplan, The Experience of Nature, 1989

Nearby Nature Restorative Settings• Being away - setting is physically or

conceptually different from one’s usual environment

• Extent - a setting sufficiently rich and coherent that it engages the mind and promotes exploration

• Fascination (soft & hard) - content or mental processes that engage attention effortlessly & allow you to rest your mind.

• Compatibility - good fit between your inclinations and the kinds of activities supported by the setting.

How ART works in our connected lives

Being Away Extent

How ART works in our connected lives

Soft Fascination Compatibility

What you can do indoors

1. Pay attention to the view from your window

2. Use indoor plants to your advantage

3. Connect with animals4. Treat yourself to

biophilic computer kit

What you can do outdoors

1. Go outside!2. Create an outdoor

office3. Grow stuff4. Use your smartphone

to enhance your outdoor experience

What you can do online

1. Visit a virtual world2. Play a video game3. Sample some next

nature4. Add biophilic design to

your online spaces

The tech industry needs Biophilic Design

1. Pay attention to the biophilic needs of tech workers

2. Apply biophilic principles to hardware & software design

And finally.... Silicon Beach? Brand it technobiophilic!

Thank you

Sue Thomaswww.suethomas.net

@suethomas#technobiophilia

1 October 2013 Cafe Scientifique

Bournemouth, UK