Physical Computing’s Greatest hits and misses
This article provides an intriguing perspective on consistent themes and what are some aspects needed to understand what is physical computing. The conversation about theremin-like devices as popular starter projects, highlighted by their ease of use with photocells or distance sensors, is logical, just as the description of glove-related initiatives like Megatap 3000, which are captivating because of their link to daily tasks. From the reading, I noticed that there exists a favorable bias toward initiatives that promote significant physical involvement and creativity, illustrated by the criticism of “hand-waving” interfaces compared to the commendation for more organized interactions such as drum gloves. The reading didn’t explicitly alter my beliefs, but it offered a more defined structure for examining prevalent patterns and design issues in interactive systems.
Making Interactive Art: Set the Stage, Then Shut Up and Listen
Tom Igoe’s discussion on interactive art show that creators ought to “prepare the environment, then remain silent and observe.” His case against pre-planned audience interpretation echoes student reflections, with some applying his concepts by eliminating directions from their projects or realizing that interactive art promotes open discussions instead of presenting a singular perspective. The comparison to guiding actors—where proposing intentions is acceptable but imposing emotions restricts authenticity—really suggests the notion that the audience should have room for their own true reaction. The text made me consider how interactive art can be practiced, similar to a performance, to enhance audience involvement without excessive guidance.