Beyond arcade machines

Abstract

In a University course on phenomenology, embodiment and tangible interaction, students were asked to design and build installations that can be played. This article describes some of their works and the concept of the course. The results are critically discussed. The aim of the course was to invite and motivate students to connect phenomenological ideas with their own work. Students were invited to uncover phenomenological theories, to explore them on their own and to integrate their findings with their practice. We attempted to establish a feedback loop of practical work and theoretical reasoning, in a natural way, a holistic approach. The course appears to have worked to get basic ideas of phenomenology across and to offer students a new perspective. The relevance and significance of phenomenological concepts for interaction design were shown. Many students successfully explored these and found their own access and focus. The works show some interesting ideas, and it is exciting to see first use of this powerful position in students' own creative work within the domain of interactive systems. /07…$15.00. attempted to include and connect theory and practice, writing and building, reflection and action. Lectures were accompanied by technical tutorials and exercises. Students were asked to research theory, implement a classic computer game, create several designs for their project, build mock-ups and prototypes, and present, discuss and critique their works.