Paper Reading #8: Thanatosensitively Designed Technologies for Bereavement Support

Comments
Alyssa Nabors
Stephen Morrow

Reference
Thanatosensitively Designed Technologies for Bereavement Support
Michael Massimi
CHI 2010 Doctoral Consortium

Example of TSD device: http://www.richardbanks.com/?cat=24

Summary
While computing devices provide a wide range of services to individuals, they do little when it comes to provide support to the people mourning their loved ones. It seems that technology currently does not take part in this stage of a persons life. This being said, this paper aims to create and propagate the concept of thanatosensitive design or TSD. TSD aims to provide a framework for the design of ubiquitous systems that will assist people through the process of bereavement. Once such framework is in place, developers can design interactive systems that will have a positive psychological impact on family members while enhancing social interactions in close and long distance contexts. Michael Massimi's work of developing the concept of TSD will be conducted in three parts: Survey and interview, elaborating the TSD methodology, and system deployment.
The first part of the research is essential to the creation of TSD since the author aims to incorporate ubiquitous devices that are not detrimental to the family. It is also important that participants' dignity is not affected negatively at any time and this can be accomplished by making sure that the TSD adheres to the information obtained while surveying. The TSD design will therefore answer a number of research questions such as: What does the TSD process entail? What are the stages of this process? What kind of activities are involved in each stage? etc.
Because TSD is an unstable paradigm, that is, its principles are not yet well defined; it becomes very difficult to develop actual prototypes using TSD. However, Massimi managed to provide his vision of a system that connects the material aspects of mourning with the social interactions among family members. He also provides insight on the way in which the impact of TSD could be measured on the field.

Discussion
This was one of the most interesting articles I have read. I liked the innovation it provided in recognizing that computers are present in ever aspect of our lives except when it comes to death. I have (to some degree) experienced the effect of technology on people who has passed away. More importantly, I knew somebody who passed away a couple of years ago, yet, his Facebook profile is still running (inactively and unresponsively) and people still write on this persons wall; posting messages on birthdays and such. It seems that it help the person be remembered. On the other hand, is this really a good thing to do? Shouldn't the mourning process encompass a part of social de-attachment?