Embodied Locative Storytelling of African American Histories

Abstract

This project examines the value of custom-built wearable interfaces for historic reenactment. It uses new media to explore mourning culture, African American identity, and female-led gender roles within the context of Oakland Cemetery, a historic cemetery in Atlanta, GA. Tangible interfaces and site-specific storytelling combine to support a tour on site. Multiple tangible interfaces were integrated into a historic dress and various props to offer novel expressive means to tour guides and engaging activities for visitors. This combination of narrative and performative interaction design aimed to provide cultural framing and emphasize African American histories embedded in the cemetery. The project was evaluated with tour guides (n = 7) and site visitors (n = 11). Key findings confirm narrative effectiveness through empathy, values for playful engagement, emphasis on user interaction in the narration, and close integration of digital technology to the site.