Chapter 9 from Off The Network
https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/pdf/off-the-network
Adversarial interfaces is a critical analysis the rhetoric of certain user interfaces. With this analysis and critique the project proposes ways (see menu items) by which to practically and discursively adapt our understandings of computer and network infrastructures in the aim of resisting seamless integrations of software and interfaces as totalitised spaces with no alternatives and no outsides.
The title of this site and project appends the idea of Adversarial Design to interfaces. At its core this project exists as an expression of a need for agonism in the field of user interface design.
Adversarial design: (Carl DiSalvo) a type of political design that evokes and engages political issues. Adversarial Design does the work in expressing and enabling agonism.
Agonism: (Chantal Mouffe) a political theory that emphasises the potentially positive aspects of certain forms of political conflic.
Seamless interface: two (or more) computer programs that are carefully joined together so that they appear to be a single program with a single user interface. A seamless interface will conceal the fact that it is created from two or more different programs.
the internet: (Critical Engineers) a deeply misunderstood set of technologies upon which we increasingly depend.
Adversarial interfaces is research in progress. This sites first itteration exists to mark a point at the finalisation of a masters degree in media design and communication by Colm O'Neill.
To visually support the idea of agonism and adversivity, the astrological aspect symbol for oppostion is employed. ☍ is described as “The glyph of the Conjunction plus a circle on top of its line, implying two objects are in front (opposed) of each other.” Detailing placings of 180° opposition.
Chapter 9 from Off The Network
https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/pdf/off-the-network