What defines physical interaction, and what makes for good physical interactive experiences? In The Art of Interactive Design, Chris Crawford defines interaction as a conversation with two actors who “listen, think and speak.” Physical interaction involves a give and take, and is not simply a reaction (for example, a viewer watching a movie) or participation (a couple dancing).
In “A Brief Rant on the Future of Interaction Design,” Bret Victor defines physical interaction in opposition to this video (produced by Microsoft) that envisions a future in which perfect happy people living in sterile environments (a la Ikea) passively swipe screens to interact with each other. Throughout the video, every need and desire is met in a homogenized manner – apparently, things don’t go wrong, and chaos does not exist.
Victor defines tools as objects that amplify human capabilities. He outlines the many capabilities of the human hand, and questions a future in which tactility is left behind for tools that are “Pictures Under Glass” and involve minimal human interaction (largely, swiping a screen). To Victor, this future fails to take advantage of the myriad capabilities of the human hand. → Read more
