Collective creativity: Utilizing the potentials of multimodal environments

Abstract

Advances in technology have expanded the methods by which users interact with computer-based systems beyond the screen and into physical space. To design these types of innovative interfaces, new design techniques and practices will be needed to understand how users perceive and interact with such multimodal environments. One area where we can look for such novel approaches is the field of interactive media art and design. An interactive art installation called Art Machine: MindCatcher was built to allow users to create audio-visual sentences (artifacts) by moving through a field of sensors that generate circles and sounds that varied depending upon the amount of time spent on the sensor. This research experiment has intention to contribute to the field of collective creativity and participatory design by representing a test-of-concept regarding the viability of interactive media art and design as a method that contributes to the repertoire of techniques and practices for engaging participants in design activities.