In Chapter 1 of The Art of Interaction, “What Exactly is Interaction”, the discussion of interactivity goes beyond simple cause-and-effect relationships and explores how a system can engage users in meaningful ways. The idea that a truly interactive system should not just respond but also “think” in some capacity aligns with my own belief that interactivity is more than just reaction—it should involve some level of contemplation or adaptation. This challenges traditional perspectives on interactivity as being solely input-output driven. I found myself questioning whether an interactive system needs to have intelligence or just the illusion of it. Could randomness or unpredictability be enough to make a system feel “thoughtful” without actual intelligence?
One of my key takeaways is the importance of variety and unpredictability in user experiences. Instead of simply offering pre-defined responses to user input, I want to explore ways to make my sketches feel more dynamic and responsive. Introducing randomness in outputs could create the illusion of an evolving system that adapts to user behavior rather than just executing a set of rigid, predetermined responses. This approach also reflects my opinion that a truly interactive system should engage users in a way that feels organic and intentional, rather than mechanical.