Table 1

A typology of user translations with examples from the MIST lighting scripts

TypologyChange in relationsDaylightingMotion sensingSystem control
SupportingUsers maintain the relations inscribed by designers and adjust their lifestyles to fit the scriptAdapting to undesirable conditions of dimness and glaring lightAccommodating the frequent triggering of automated sensorsUsing the card system as designed
TinkeringUsers make slight modifications to the script by altering the relations without having significant implications on the design performance as a wholeShutting part of the openingsCalling on an intermediary, the facility management company, to adjust the sensors in the unitsMoving furniture and walking away from sensors while doing activities so that the sensors do not detect user movement
Switching on the lights of the rooms adjacent to the dim ones
Placing a portable light on a large suitcase to mimic a ceiling light
Overriding the dimmer and using lights at their maximum settings
AdjustingUsers significantly change the script by drastically altering the relations to conform with user desires and needsClosing off all the openingsIntroducing additional portable lightsPartially blocking the sensor with a piece of tape so that it does not turn the light on unless the user passes by a specific area
Introducing additional portable lights
ResistingUsers wholly reject the script by severing relations with the system in favour of alternative socio-material configurationsAvoiding the units or some roomsDisrupting the system completely and switching the sensors on and off through the control panelCovering the sensor entirely
Choosing not to fix the light when it stops working
Leaving the units and working at laboratories, where lights are more manageable 

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