Crafting movement in Digital Art and Human Computer Interaction

Human movement has historically been approached as a functional component of interaction within Human Computer Interaction (HCI). This design approach reflects the task-oriented focus of early HCI research, which was preoccupied with ergonomics and efficiency. Yet movement is not solely functional, it is also highly experiential, expressive and creative.

As embodied organisms, movement is our primary means of accessing the world. While human movement is ubiquitously present in all forms of technology interaction, movement expertise is often absent in the design of technology. In my work, I apply human movement knowledge in Laban Movement Analysis to design technologies for the experiential body within digital art and dance. Moreover, I integrate notions of movement from my practice of dance and choreography such as the movement qualities, as interaction modalities in an attempt to meet human needs as a whole and to encourage movement exploration, curiosity and reflection.

From a methodological perspective, I consider first person methodologies that research experience and support both the designer's and the user's expression. I use research through practice, ethnographic or phenomenological methods instead of those advocating abstract notions such efficiency, accuracy and usability.

Finally, I design interactive systems that encourages movement crafting and highlights choreographic patterns that support my and my users' creative choices and strategies.