Understanding productive, structural and longitudinal interactions in the design of tools for creative activities

Abstract

A deeper understanding of the interactions between people and artefacts that characterise creative activities could be valuable in designing the next generation of creativity support. This paper presents three perspectives on creative interaction that have emerged from four years of empirical and design research. We argue that creative interaction can be usefully viewed in terms of Productive Interactionfocused engagement on the development of a creative outcome, Structural Interaction -the development of the structures in which production occurs, and Longitudinal Interaction -the long-term development of resources and relationships that increase creative potential. An analysis of each perspective is described, along with the development of an exemplary prototype. The use of the perspectives as a basis for design is considered, including the influence of contextual factors on instances of creative activities.

Chiseling bodies

“…To develop an interactive system based on movement qualities for the performance Chiseling Bodies, we used participatory design methodology and tools [5,1]. The dancer was involved in design cycles where we (i)brainstormed to produce and sketch ideas, metaphors, inspirations for the performance and to define interaction scenarios (ii)rapidly prototyped the interactive system (iii)tested the prototype (iv)reported on our observations of the testing phase (v)interviewed each other about the experience of the testing phase.…”

You're the Voice

“…Coughlan and Johnson [12] present three perspectives on creative interaction that have emerged from four years of empirical and design research. They argue that creative interaction can be usefully viewed in terms of Productive Interaction -focused engagement on the development of a creative outcome; Structural Interaction -the development of the structures in which production occurs; and Longitudinal Interaction -the long-term development of resources and relationships that increase creative potential.…”

Moment by Moment

“…Couglan and Johnson explore designs for collaborative music composition system by researching creativity based on contextual factors: interactions between people and external artifacts to articulate sketching as a core aspect of creative process [13]. Davis et al address the Machinima programming suite of tools for video.…”

“…For example, programs such as Photoshop or Microsoft Word give artists a 'blank slate' to put their ideas on but do not assist them artistically in their practice [13]. Moreover, new design principles for creativity support tools are identified such as 1) supporting exploratory searches, 2) enabling collaboration, 3) providing rich history-keeping and design with low thresholds, high ceilings and wide walls [33].…”