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Meaningful Engagement: Computer-Based Interactive Media Art in Public Space

Meaningful Engagement: Computer-Based Interactive Media Art in Public Space was selected for publication after presentation at the Arts and Technology: First International Conference, ArtsIT 2009, co authored with Jiun-Jhy Her, currently Assistant Professor at the Department of Digital Multimedia Arts,Shih Hsin University, Taiwan. The underpinning research addresses the proliferation of computer-based interactive public art and raises the question of how quality of experience of such publicly sited works in transient spaces can be understood to be meaningful. Hamlyn supports and refines the analysis based on four key concepts: playfulness - the lure that draws an observer into participating, dominance transfer - enacting stories rather than witnessing, mind orientation - having the knowledge and skills to engage, and accessible challenge - sustaining interest. Working with these concepts and after piloting data gathering methods under Hamlyn’s supervision, Her as co-author, analyses a case study, Fongsan West, MRT station, Kaoshiung County, Taiwan. MRT stations are a particular focus of interactive public art. The paper concludes that while these four concepts should not be used rigidly or deterministically, they stand up as a starting point to understanding interactivity as a medium in its own right. Hamlyn’s contribution is informed by his public art practice of over a decade using environmental triggers and incorporating chance interaction within the collaborative group IDEAS in Public Space LTD of which he was director until 2012, notably ‘Lightweave’, Wigan Pier 2007 and his collaboration with Peter McCaughey, Creative Spaces, Raploch, Stirling, June 2009, ISBN:1-870542-64-9.

The paper draws on earlier presentations with Her when the latter was Hamlyn’s PhD supervisee 2007-11, such as ISEA 2010, Dortmund, Ruhr Germany, 23rd August 2010. Subsequent versions were selected and presented as co authored papers at ARTECH 2010, 5th International Conference on Digital Arts, Guimarães, Portugal April 2010 and MMEDIA 2010, Greece June 2010.