Measure Twice, Cut Once: The Temporality of Communication Design

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session and Reception
  In Interactive Paper Session: Organizational Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

The familiar folk saying, “Measure twice, cut once,” with origins in carpentry design indicates that the issue of measurement is central to good design work. The equally important—if implicit—wisdom to which it points is that it takes more time, or a careful pace of action, to do so properly. To develop our central arguments about the temporality of communication design, we first describe how the consideration of varying time scales offers great utility in the communication design enterprise, and elaborate on the designable features of temporality for human interaction. Next, we draw on Ballard’s (2007) typology of work-based activity cycles to offer some temporally based design principles for the design of work. We then apply these insights to various work activities that unfold at various time scales, and illustrate how concern with temporality (rather than only time) may lead to a redesign of communication.

Authors

• Dawna I. Ballard, U of Texas - Austin

• Thomas McVey, U of Texas