Artifact Analysis

A systematic examination of the material, aesthetic, and interactive qualities of objects

It asks what objects say about people and their culture, time, and place rather than focusing on what people say about the products and systems they use.

• The material analysis addresses the quantity, material composition, physical and digital components, durability, wear patterns, and disposability of objects.
• The aesthetic analysis includes subjective assessment of form, color, texture, references to particular eras, time, or place, and emotional significance.
• The Interactive aspects of the analysis address the characteristics of operational use and behaviors that the artifact affords: for example, function and complexity.
• The Contextual aspects include where objects are stored or carried if they are part of a larger whole, and if they are owned, shared public, or private property.
• The Identifying object misuse or adapted use can suggest design opportunities.