A strongly interactive system is one that supports an ongoing exchange between the user and the system, rather than a simple cause-and-effect response. , Crawford emphasizes that true interactivity requires a two-way conversation where the system not only responds to user input but does so in a way that is meaningful, engaging, and adaptable. It should be responsive, intuitive, and immersive; the users should have a good feeling about their actions being effective and that the system responds organically. One of the most critical aspects of interactivity is real-time feedback. When users interact with a system, they should immediately see or feel the consequences of their actions. This could be through visual changes, such as color shifts, animations, or movement, or through sensory feedback like sound effects and vibrations. The more immediate and natural the response, the more engaging the experience becomes.
To enhance the degree of user interaction in my p5.js sketches, I’d like to further develop more dynamic and reactive elements. For example, objects could be made to react to cursor movement through changes in shape, speed, or transparency, making it more alive. Another idea could be to utilize randomness to provide variety, where each interaction results in slightly different outcomes, allowing the artwork to feel organic instead of predictable.
I am interested in the use of multi-layered interactions where, with one input from a user, a chain reaction occurs rather than a single event. For instance, the click of one element may cause another object to move, change color, or fire off another animation sequence. Incorporating this will allow for a richer experience where users can be drawn into the artwork and experiment with how they interact with it.
My long-term aim is to create interactive sketches that are alive and responsive, creating an encouragement to experiment and discover unexpected outcomes. This refinement of how the system responds to the input provided smoothes out the interaction, thus making it much more immersive and engaging rather than just a number of responses with my generative artwork.