Smart devices have created new problems for designers to solve, not least of which is interface: how does a gadget or appliance communicate to you when it doesn't have a screen? That's a problem that brand and design firm Method has been thinking a lot about lately, so much so that they created the Henri, an interactive gizmo that makes it easier for designers to explore the ambient UIs of future gadgets.
Henri is meant to function as an abstract stand-in for a connected home product like the Nest, the Philips Hue, or the Leeo Smart Alert. Two control panels of brushed steel knobs are connected to Henri, allowing designers to easily experiment with ambient interface elements without needing a ton of technical know-how: for example, what is the best pattern and color for LED lights to pulse in response to certain commands? Or what sounds should play under certain scenarios? Just by twisting these knobs, designers can create all sorts of light, sound, and halo patterns and figure it out.
