Describing and Comparing Co-located Interaction in Interactive Art Using a Relational Model

Co-located interaction in interactive art takes place among two or more co-located audience members and the technical system of an artwork. In this paper, we aim to assess the descriptive and comparative qualities of our previously developed relational model for describing and analysing such forms of interaction. The model focuses on specifying the actions of the interacting elements, such as the audience and art system, and the various forms of communication between them. To assess its significance, we first develop selection criteria and classification dimensions to select eight artworks that are representative of diverse forms of co-located interaction. The relational model is shown to be suitable for describing the selected artworks and comparing their similarities and differences. As outcome, it reveals different types of relationships between the actions of interacting elements that would otherwise not be highlighted. As such, it provides a context for analysing and discussing strategies for co-located interaction and points to opportunities for research and creation in this field.