Changing the way we think: from HCI to HCR (Human Computer Relations)

User experience, usability and HCI experts around the globe have been developing and implementing user centered design (UCD) methodologies to help designers and developers design more user friendly interfaces. The results are tremendous and impacting, people without technological backgrounds are able to purchase plane tickets online, carry their online shopping, videoconference with their loved ones and even publish their own blogs, amongst other achievements. However, there is still great room for improvement, and our best practice case will demonstrate how going beyond designing interactions and into designing relations (HCR), will help fill in the other gaps related to user experience, not covered in current UCD methods. Designing relations brings in, integrates, the emotional dimension of the user, one that often proves to be more valuable than the traditional effectiveness, efficiency or satisfaction dimensions of used brought by