Interactivity
Closed interaction
This involves very limited interaction, such as clicking on an icon. It involves physical and internal interaction but lacks communication interaction.
Open interaction.
This involves communication interaction between a computer and a user. Playing a video game would be an example of open interaction.
Physical interaction:
This involves physically changing the state of something. Clicking your mouse, pressing a button.
Communication interaction:
Is interactive dialogue, whether it is communication with another person or a computer.
Internal Interaction:
Cognitively processing information and acting upon it. Seeing a symbol in a piece of artwork for example. We would think about what the symbol represented and as a result have a deeper understanding of the art.
1. Look at the history of input and output devices used to communicate with computer programs. Explain how these devices affect the type of human computer interaction.
The teleprinter (an electronic typewriter) allowed people to type messages into a variety of communication channels. Commands could be sent to early mainframes and minicomputers. Thus making communication interaction with a computer possible.
2. Describe the kind of interactive experiences involved with computer simulation, such as, driving style games.
A driving style video game would have various kinds of interactive experiences. Physical interaction would be required to move the virtual car through a controller/keyboard. And open interaction is needed from the player to use the game’s complex sets of rules to control the direction and speed of the car.
3. Define hypertext and explain the type of interactivity involved.
Text used in computers and other electronic devices which contain hyperlinks to other texts. Hyperlinks can also contain other forms of information such as tables and images. This would be an example of communication interaction.
4. Describe the level of interaction needed to play a computer game.
You need an open level of interaction to play a video game because it requires physical, internal and communication interaction. Although different games do require more interaction than others. 3D free-roaming action packed games such as Fallout New Vegas and Assassins’ Creed are obviously more complex than games like pacman and tetris. With more complex games the player can interact with virtual characters and environments in various ways like running, jumping attacking etc.
5. What form of interactivity would be involved in immersive environments?
Internal interaction because we respond to stimuli in the environment.
6. From the many thousands of time-based examples of work on the web, can you give several examples of the type of interaction involved in their use?
In the well known site youtube you have fairly closed interaction when watching videos. You can pause, rewind and fast forward the video.
7. What sort of interactivity is involved with using task-orientated software such as drawing or CAD application?
When using a task orientated software such as the image editor photoshop all sorts of interactivity is involved. Physical for controlling the program. Communication for tasks given by the user to the program, such as brush settings. Internal interaction for the thought process of the user.
Navigation Systems
Real World: 
This map provides a clear visual description of the United Kingdom. It shows an image of the UK and names its cities in the area they are supposed to be. Additionally it uses symbols to show roads and railroads.
http://www.karnal.gov.in/Road-Sign-complete.jpg
These road signs use shapes and simple but informative symbols to help drivers navigate the roads. Many of them are in red to capture the driver’s attention.
http://www.comfortofhome.com/bk/sample/book_index2.jpg
This book index has subjects in alphabetical order with their page numbers beside them allowing the reader to quickly find what they are looking for.
Computer Based:
The website deviantArt an online portfolio has many links for the user to navigate through the site. It has links to show art with certain categories. And Thumbnails which prevue the images which the user can click on to get a better look. Symbols are used for different types of messages and for different parts of the site. For example a speech bubble for feedback messages and a shopping bag for the site’s shop.
http://images.snapfiles.com/screenfiles/adobeps.jpg
The image editing program photoshop displays loads of icons and options for the user to navigate through the programs abilities. The toolbar shows simple icons for tools such as the paintbrush and cropping tool. The layer box clearly shows all the layers in the file and highlights the one the user has selected.
Similarities:
Both computer based and real world navigation systems use text, images and simple but effective symbols for navigation. Thus allowing their users to be informed quickly but clearly.
Engagement
Find examples of how narrative works as a form of engagement in film by explaining and giving examples of the following concepts:
Plot
Film: The main events shown in the film are engaging to the viewer especially if they are interesting and un-expected. If the plot is very similar to other films the audience will probably find the film boring.
Story
Film: All the smaller details of the films such as the characters and setting are important as well. For example a character that behaves realistically in relation to their circumstances will be likely to engage the audience because they will be able to relate to them.
Cause and Effect
Film: If an event occurs in the film because of a previous event the viewer will think back to that event which will help them engage with the events in the film.
Computer: We understand that clicking a link on an internet page causes a new page to open.
Time
Film: The timing in film can be an effective use for engagement. Short fast paced shots will help create excitement in a scene with a lot of action.
Computer: Time affects our ability to engage with a computer. If a program takes a long time to load the user will become bored and frustrated.
Space
Film: Off and on screen space. A character pointing can indicate that there is activity not shown on screen.
Spatial references
Film: These can give the audience clues about the setting and can even help bring a deeper meaning to the scene. Making something appear bigger than it actually is will highlight its importance.
Computer: A web page with a scroll bar indicates there is more of the page to view.
Information Structures
Modular systems
Find a range of modular systems used and created by designers. Include both 2D and 3D examples.
Metaphor
Create a list of examples of metaphor. Look at film, animation and other forms of traditional visual communication.
There are countless actions and events used as metaphors in movies. The themes of the movies themselves can also be used as metaphors.
There are many examples of metaphor in cartoons, characters turning blue with cold and light bulbs appearing over the tops of heads to symbolise an idea.
On-screen and off-screen space
Find examples of off-screen space found in film, animation and computer software programs/interfaces.
From the film Dirty Harry made in 1971.
The character looks and points his gun at something off-screen. This implies something of importance exists off-screen.
On a web page there are links to other web pages that exist off-screen.
Dynamics/motion
Find a range of examples from traditional forms of media that suggest and/or effect screen movement. For example:
Camera movement:
Having something moving in front of a camera as you take the picture will cause the picture to be blurred. This can suggest movement on a still image. (or just look like a mess.)
Animation techniques:
The technique slow in/out. Slow movement before fast movement for example. It makes the movement in the animation interesting and more realistic.
Frame rates:
The more images that are displayed in a second the faster the animation will be.
Compositing and layering
Find a range of traditionally collages and photomontaged images. Identify the original context for the different sources that make up the finished example.
I was a Rich Man’s Plaything by Edward Paolozzi was made with images cut out from American magazines.
Adolf the Superman Swallows Gold and Spouts Junk by John Heartfield probably made from images from magazines.
2.Find examples of film editing or montage. Identify the different shots and describe the third or inferred meaning that has been created by the order the shots are placed in.
3.Find a range of contemporary and postmodern images that have been digitally constructed. Identify the different range of sources for these images.
This image was made by the concept artist Marc Taro Holmes. He uses photos of animals and textures to create a humanoid creature.
From the Imagine FX magazine.
Networks
Research the grow of networks from business to social use.
Find examples of networking sites in common usage and those that specifically for artists and designers.
Facebook and livejournal are examples of networking sites. They have “friend” systems and connect people through similarities, interests, etc.
http://www.conceptart.org/ is a website specifically for artists. It has galleries for artists, holds contests and even advertises jobs.
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