Interaction

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Modelling Communication

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Interaction…

in Sociology Sociology sees interaction as something that involves a reciprocal relationship between people Therefore in sociology you can have communication without interaction, but not interaction without communication In sociology ‘interaction’ rather than ‘interactivity’

in Computer Science In the study of human computer interaction - Interaction is something that is used to allow the human user to control the computer Therefore in HCI you can have interaction without communication, but not communication without interaction ‘Interaction’ = ‘interactivity’

in Communications Theory Three key meanings The meaning of a media text exists somewhere between what is written and how the reader interprets it Audience interaction associated with the media Two step processes associated with message passing in the media

Computers as Theatre (Laurel, B.)

Drama vs HCI (Laurel, B.)

Defining interactivity as: Prototype - This method uses examples to define interactivityPrototype - This method uses examples to define interactivity –e.g. phone:yes, newspaper:no –Problems? Is a phone conversation interactive? Criteria - This method uses a check list of criteria that must be satisfiedCriteria - This method uses a check list of criteria that must be satisfied –e.g. ‘a system which exchanges information with the viewer and processes their input –Problems? Some interactive media excluded

Continuum & Dimensions An alternative approach has been to define media in terms of the degree to which they are interactive In addition there are instances of definitions that combine this approach with using a number of different scales and mapping scales against each other

Degree of Interactivity LowHigh Press Radio TV Film Teletext Computer communication via bulletin board, electronic messaging, teleconferencing, interactive cable tv Rogers 1987

Interactivity as responsiveness A A A B BB M1M2M3M4M5 A A[M2] A[M4] B[M1] B[M3]B[M5] M1M2M3M4M5 Two way communication Reactive communication Interactive communication A A[M2/M1] A[M4/M3/M2/M1] B[M1] B[M3/M2/M1]B[M5/M4/M3/M2/M1] M1M2M3M4M5 Rafaeli, S

Interactivity/Vividness Steuer (1995)

Three Dimensional Continuum Laurel, B Frequency Significance Range Low High The user has - little ability to act - few choices - little significance The user has - a frequent ability to act - many choices - great significance

Four dimensions Degree of choices available Degree of modificability The quantity of choices and modifications available The degree of linearity or non linearity Goertz, L

More dimensions Selectivity (choice) Effort needed Reactivity Ability to monitor and track users Ability to add information Interpersonal communication possible Heater, C

Communication Patterns Bordewijk & Kaam

Communication Patterns Transmission - information produced and distributed by a central provider Conversation - information produced and distributed by an information consumer Consultation - information produced centrally but distribution controlled by an information consumer Registration - information produced by an information consumer but distribution controlled centrally

Communication Patterns Transmission - e.g. TV news Conversation - e.g. Consultation - e.g. Video on demand, web surfing Registration - e.g. Cookies, webct

Cube of interactivity 1 Jensen, Jens

Cube of interactivity 2 Jensen, Jens

Manovich on interaction Interactive media tends to have been seen as related to physical aspects But previous media involved psychological interaction e.g. –Filling in –Interpretation –hypothesis And physical interaction has existed in previous media - e.g. the eye following a composition and body moving round a sculpture

Interaction as totalitarianism Interactivity can be seen as something that establishes links as a means of controlling the mind So interaction is not be unique to new media

References - New media art resource ml - Manovich on interaction Mayer, P. A. (1999) Computer Media and Communication: a reader, Oxford University Press