Playing interactivity in public space

Abstract

Digital interactive art provokes active inputs from the audience along with enjoyable and curious experiences, which alter the way audiences perceive and experience art. Through interactivity, outcomes become discernable and manifest upon diverse multimedia interfaces. This process is referred to as "play" - the action and outcome are often deemed major elements of this process. The purpose of this study is to deepen understanding of how artistic intent can be elicited through playful interactivities and to investigate forms of play that affect audience perceptions to, and encounters with, digital interactive arts. This research mainly focuses on interactions of play that take place between the audience and digital interactive arts installed in public spaces. By studying four interactive art installations in the MRT systems (Mass Rapid Transit) and in art galleries, as well as analyzing interviews carried out with the research participants, and art professionals, a number of important qualities and modes of play have been established. © 2010 IEEE.