Reflections on the nature of interaction†

^†This paper draws from and elaborates part of the discussion in Edmonds (2005).

Abstract

The paper discusses aspects of digital art from the point of view of the notion of observable human – computer interaction. The use of the word interaction is reviewed and alternative approaches to describing the concept explored. In particular, a systems view is taken and contrasted with an action/response model. A refined view of such interactions is proposed in which artwork and audience are said to influence one another.

Keywords:

• Interaction
• Art
• Systems theory

Notes

^†This paper draws from and elaborates part of the discussion in Edmonds (2005).

¹Bertalanffy's work on general systems theory was a key development in the theory of scientifically modelling biological behaviours. See Bertallanffy (1968). See also Ross Ashby's Introduction (Ashby 1956) for an early view of the same topic from the cybernetic perspective.