A call for friction in digital culture

Luna Maurer and Roel Wouters propose that designers should embrace friction rather than eliminate it, arguing that digital technology has pursued seamlessness at the cost of physical resistance, human connection and autonomy. They say removing friction means standing still, and that a completely predictable future is no future at all. Their suggestions include embracing discomfort, allowing slower pace and boredom, engaging the body through physical interaction, and cherishing the non-positive. The text, co-authored with Alexandra Barancová, is part of the Hato Press zine series titled Designing Friction.