From these articles by Tom Igoe, it’s clear that physical computing offers immense creativity and excitement. The examples shared in the first article, “Physical Computing’s Greatest Hits (and misses,” introduced various creative possibilities that sensors and technologies offer in creating interactive projects. It was fascinating to see how simple touch, thermal, light, and sound sensors could be integrated into creative projects that evoke emotional responses in users. The concept of the “remote hugs” project was particularly intriguing. Although Igoe explained that the user didn’t quite feel hugged, this project succeeded in radiating positivity and satisfaction, aiming to engage users on an emotional level. I particularly appreciate the idea he raised that not everything has to be entirely original, but it can be improved upon and reimagined, which is inspiring. Therefore, I am more encouraged to explore projects that can bring positivity and emotion to users in innovative ways, even if they build on existing concepts.
The second article, “Making Interactive Art: Set the Stage, Then Shut Up and Listen,” explains interactive art’s interactivity and how it should be approached. In interactive art, the core message is to create a meaningful dialogue between the artist and the user. Allowing the user to explore and interpret the artwork without explicit guidance can lead to more satisfying experiences. I think this element of surprise and discovery is crucial in interactive art, enhancing user satisfaction. I also realized that open-ended interactive pieces are particularly suited to this approach, as users can uncover the artist’s intentions by exploring various features or come up with their interpretations. Also, one thing about interactive art is that the user feels engaged in creating something by interacting with the work, which makes the project much more fun and meaningful to the user. The article also touches upon user experience design (that we have learned from previous readings by Norman), such as providing interactivity hints. It is valuable advice as it ensures that users intuitively understand how to interact with the artwork.