Critical Dialogue in HCI: Principles as Places for Reflection

In this paper we argue that one of the major contributions of critical theory to HCI is a shift in principles that organize the selection of problems, methods, and phenomena that are considered by researchers and designers. We take this position to propose that a key area of research that is largely neglected in HCI is a systematic study of principles. More specifically we know little about the ways principles organize design activities and ultimately the experiences of people using products. We argue that an ongoing inquiry into principles is essential to transforming principles from dogmatic attachments to generative places for discovery and invention.