Reimagining Tools: Designing for Intentional Change
The 20th century American educator, John Culkin, wrote “We shape our tools and, thereafter, our tools shape us.” The tools we use and the ways we use them transform our behaviors on an individual level, and our cultures on a larger scale. However, most of our tools are designed by others with standards that may not align with our bodies or needs. As we use these tools and they form our habits, I formed the question: How can we reimagine our tools to intentionally and consciously form desirable habits?
Defining the Tool: Perception and Interpretation
By starting with a simple, open-ended prompt, I aimed to encourage participants to respond instinctively, capturing their first thoughts without overanalyzing. The survey posed questions designed to challenge perceptions of tools and their significance.
A total of 23 participants, aged 22 to 45, completed the survey, providing both drawings and explanations for their choices. As I analyzed the responses, distinct patterns emerged, revealing common interpretations of what constitutes a tool. Most participants—aside from a few exceptions—focused on utilitarian, hand-held objects like a pencil, highlighting a predominantly practical and functional understanding of the term. This insight helped me explore the perceptual boundaries and inherent limitations of how "tool" is commonly defined.
Analyzing Patterns and Exploring Habit Formation
After completing the surveys, I conducted follow-up interviews with each participant to explore their thought processes and reasoning behind their choices. As I analyzed their responses, I noticed recurring patterns in both their selections and the way they approached the concept of tools. To better understand these commonalities, I categorized the findings into distinct groups, highlighting shared themes and interpretations.
While the survey provided valuable insights into participants' existing perceptions of tools, understanding how new habits might form around the speculative tools developed would require long-term research and observation. Further study would be needed to explore how these tools could shape behavior over time and integrate into daily routines.
Key Insights
Over 60% of participants sketched hand-held tools like a pen or pencil, likely influenced by the fact that they were using these tools to complete the survey. This suggests an instinctive response, where immediate surroundings shaped their initial thought process.
When asked to envision a tool that merges with the body, most participants integrated it with the hand or arm, reinforcing the idea of tools as extensions of manual function.
Only one out of 21 participants chose a non-physical tool—dreams—challenging the conventional perception of what a tool can be.
When reimagining their tool for a 4-year-old or a 90-year-old, many participants scaled up their designs, modifying them to be larger and more accessible, highlighting adaptability as a key factor in tool design.
