Praxis

toc = = =**Praxis**=

Definition
[|Praxis] is "the formal and informal rules and norms governing the situations between the subject and the wider community for activities. The praxis is part of the structure of an activity." (Designing Interactive Systems, pg. 180) The activity theory can be viewed here.

The praxis is related to understanding complex environments and complex interactions between people and the activities that they involve in (Lecture 8, slide 12). To be more specific, praxis is what people actually use products or services for, and not what it is theoretically meant to be used for.

Example
An example that explains praxis: the purpose of the iPod is for people to obtain legal mp3's and use it as a storage device. Many people have found other means to use their iPods such as use it for listening to illegally downloaded music or videos, They may also use it for transfering this information as well.

The iPod also has other services that are being created for it, such as [|iPod Directions]. IPod directions was created after iPods were made as an accessory. There are also other accessories available for iPod (such as speakers and iPod holders) that transforms the iPod into being used for something other than an mp3 player and portable external hard drive.



**Resources**
Jones, Mike. Lecture 8. Slide #12. Tuesday November 7th, 2006. Turner, Benyon. __Designing Interactive Systems__ //Pearson Limited Edition (2005//) Essex England. iPod Directions Image http://www.ipod-directions.com/imgs/iWay_img.jpg (December 6, 2006)