This article explores the relatively underexplored potential for physicalizations to materialize qualitative data related to human experiences and knowledge domains. Our reading of “data” in this context extends from imperceptible systems and infrastructures to mental models and the phenomenological dimensions of experiences themselves. Physical objects can be regarded as a form of knowledge with which to inquire about human life, bring about improved conditions, and imagine alternative realities. Objects are made of materials, which are manipulated materials into various configurations. The materials used in the process of externalization have a profound influence on the resulting forms, and through them on how knowledge is constructed and internalized. We pay detailed attention to the characteristics of materials and how they are combined, in the context of interdisciplinary exchange. We are motivated by the need for a shared understanding of what work materials can do in the making of physicalisations. We suggest this work is useful in the analysis of physicalizations, specifically where they seek to articulate the phenomena of lived experience.

中文翻译：

---

用事物思考：景观、联系和表演作为建立共同理解的模式


本文探讨了物理化在具体化与人类经验和知识领域相关的定性数据方面相对尚未充分开发的潜力。在这种背景下，我们对“数据”的解读从不可察觉的系统和基础设施延伸到心智模型和体验本身的现象学维度。物理对象可以被视为一种知识形式，可以用来探究人类生活、改善条件并想象替代现实。物体是由材料制成的，材料是被操纵成各种配置的。外化过程中使用的材料对最终的形式产生深远的影响，并通过它们对知识的构建和内化产生深远的影响。在跨学科交流的背景下，我们详细关注材料的特性以及它们的组合方式。我们的动机是需要对工作材料在物理化过程中的作用达成共识。我们认为这项工作对于物理化的分析很有用，特别是在它们试图阐明生活经验的现象时。