INTERACTION IS…

Interaction is communication* between two or more beings and/or objects.

*defined in the diagram below.

FOR EXAMPLE:

This image displays a project that uses projectors to display fractal images. The display surrounds the whole room in an immersive experience with sound and changing patterns. However, this exhibit does not fit in my definition of interaction. This is because only the first half of communication occurs. The art encodes a message, the message is sent, the observer decodes it and this is where the communication stops.

A project such as this, which has a similar method of interaction to “Geometric Proportions”  (projected images and sound), completes the cycle of communication because it allows the observer to send messages as well.

“Xenario飞来飞去以“循环时空”作为设计理念，创造移步换景的流动参观体验。观众站在巨幕面前，挥手间，就如同有了魔法，环形巨幕影像随之联动：或分开水流、或扬帆起航、或鸢飞鱼跃、或烟火绽放”

“Xenario flies around with “circulation of time and space” as the design concept, creating a mobile visiting experience that moves by step and change scenery. The audience is standing in front of the giant screen and waving their hands, as if there is magic, and the ring-shaped giant screen images are linked together: either separate the water, or set sail, or the kite leaps, or the fireworks bloom”

Here, both the artwork and observer encode, send, and decode messages. As a result, this project does fit my definition of interaction.

In short, “Geometric Proportions” allows for an experience while the Xenario allows for an interactive experience. Both projects tell a story but the Xenario allows the observer to be a part of the story, not just an observer of it.

Sources:

Xenario飞来飞去 . 中国大运河博物馆·河之恋展厅. MANA 全球新媒体艺术平台 艺术/设计/科技/跨界创新, 30 July 2017, www.manamana.net/video/detail?id=1660458.