Physical Computing’s Greatest Hits (and misses)
While reading this piece, I found myself fascinated by how imagination can stretch beyond the limits of what we typically perceive as possible. The example of the waves of leaves particularly resonated with me. It was such a beautiful and unexpected way to translate nature into sound and movement. I would have never imagined something like that, yet it reminded me that creativity often begins with seeing the ordinary through a new lens. This concept really reflects what this course encourages us to do: to move beyond traditional boundaries and explore how abstract ideas can become tangible experiences. It even made me think about how we could merge this with technology, perhaps building something like a domino-inspired instrument that creates a tune from a movement.
Another concept that stood out to me was Dance Dance Revolution. I’ve always loved dancing and even enjoyed playing the this type of game in fun zones, where timing and coordination create a sense of both challenge and joy. Reading about it made me think of how such ideas could evolve into more interactive art experiences. We can probably utilise this concept to build a “twister” game such that everytime someone is out it creates a buzz noise.
Overall, this reading reminded me that creativity is not confined to art or technology alone, it’s in how we connect both. The examples encouraged me to think more experimentally and to consider how imagination can be designed into playful, sensory experiences that engage both mind and body.
Making Interactive Art: Set the Stage, Then Shut Up and Listen
I completely agree with what the author is saying in this reading. If you are creating an immersive, interactive experience, you need to let the audience truly be part of it: to explore, engage, and form their own interpretations. That process of interaction is what reveals how deeply people are willing to think about your project and how many different meanings it can evoke. Each person’s response becomes part of the artwork itself, showing you perspectives you may never have considered.
An immersive experience, in a way, is like an open-ended question. There can be multiple interpretations, each valid in its own context. You can build theories around what you intend to express, but you should always leave your audience curious about what the ground truth really is. That curiosity is what keeps the experience alive even after the interaction ends. As a creator, you can guide emotions subtly through design and environment, but once you begin instructing the audience, it stops being interactive and becomes prescriptive. True interactivity lies in that delicate balance between guidance and freedom where the audience feels both engaged and uncertain.