The “Space” of Computing

Summary

In an era where computing devices have transitioned from room-sized behemoths to invisible components embedded within our daily environments, Weiwei Hsu invites us to reconsider our understanding of computing. Her work explores its multifaceted nature, proposing a framework to conceptualize its expanding dimensions.

Hsu identifies several key dimensions that constitute the “Space” of Computing, including scale, embodiment, temporality, and agency. This multidimensional approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of how computing systems interact with and influence human experiences.

By examining these dimensions, we can begin to move beyond seeing computing merely as a tool, and instead recognize it as an integral part of our social and cultural fabric. This perspective opens up new avenues for designing and engaging with technology in ways more aligned with human values and needs.

Ultimately, Hsu’s work calls on technologists, designers, and thinkers to reflect on the systems they’re building and the assumptions embedded within them — fostering a more thoughtful and inclusive technological future.

Today, we have been building and investing so much of our time into the digital world and we have forgotten to take a step back and take a look at the larger picture. Not only do we waste other people’s time by making them addicted to this device world, we have also created a lot of waste in the real world. At the same time we’re drowning in piles and piles of information because we never took the time to architect a system that enable us in navigating through them. We’re trapped in these rectangular screens and we have often forgotten how to interact with the real world, with real humans. We have been building and hustling — but hey, we can also slow down and rethink how we want to dwell in both the physical world and the digital world. Weiwei Hsu

At some point in the future we will leave this world and what we’ll leave behind are spaces and lifestyles that we’ve shaped for our grandchildren. So I would like to invite you to think about what do we want to leave behind, as we continue to build both digitally and physically. Can we be more intentional so that we shape and leave behind a more humane environment? Weiwei Hsu

Key concepts

• The dimensions of computing Rather than a fixed list, these are open-ended axes — scale, embodiment, temporality, agency, and others — that help chart how computing manifests and operates. The goal isn’t to categorize the world, but to offer a flexible framework for exploration.
• Computing as cultural terrain Computing isn’t just technical infrastructure — it shapes how we live, relate, and make decisions. It should be seen as a cultural artifact, something that reflects and reinforces values, not just executes instructions.
• Designing with intention Framing computing in terms of space and dimensions encourages designers and technologists to be more intentional. What kind of futures are we making possible — or impossible — by the architectures we build?
• Open to expansion The framework isn’t meant to be closed or complete. It’s an invitation to chart new dimensions, remix the existing ones, and stay curious. The map is not the territory, but it’s a good place to start.

This framework challenges us to think beyond traditional boundaries, offering a richer, more holistic understanding of computing that aligns with human-centric values.

This idea was originally published as the thesis The “Space” of Computing, and later featured in the Journal of Design and Science as Defining the Dimensions of the “Space” of Computing.