Short answer

Consider how to design digital interfaces and experiences that enable non-verbal, sensual communication to foster a stronger sense of presence and connection between users, especially in remote or distributed contexts.

Field
User-Centred Design
Source
International Journal of Performance Arts and Digital Media (2011)
Method
Practice-based research and performance art.
Evidence
Moderate effect

Participatory networked performances utilizing mobile phones and wearable devices can create new understandings of 'liveness' and 'presence' by enabling non-verbal, visual, and sensual communication across distances. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2011 study published in International Journal of Performance Arts and Digital Media. Using Practice-based research and performance art., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Consider how to design digital interfaces and experiences that enable non-verbal, sensual communication to foster a stronger sense of presence and connection between users, especially in remote or distributed contexts.

Study
User-Centred DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Mobile media can foster a sense of 'liveness' and 'presence' through non-verbal, sensual communication.

Participatory networked performances utilizing mobile phones and wearable devices can create new understandings of 'liveness' and 'presence' by enabling non-verbal, visual, and sensual communication across distances.

International Journal of Performance Arts and Digital Media · 2011

01

Key Findings

  • 01Mobile videophones can serve as a novel medium for non-verbal, visual, and sensual communication across space.
  • 02Participatory networked performances can evoke sensations of 'liveness' and 'presence' through the embodiment of technology within the network space.
  • 03The 'daisy chain' of technologies in mobile performances can interweave participants and performers, blurring the lines between them.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Consider how to design digital interfaces and experiences that enable non-verbal, sensual communication to foster a stronger sense of presence and connection between users, especially in remote or distributed contexts.

How to apply

When designing collaborative tools or social platforms, consider incorporating features that allow for more expressive, non-verbal feedback or sensory input to enhance user connection.

Project actions

  • 01Consider how your design can facilitate non-verbal communication.
  • 02Explore the use of wearable technology to enhance user experience.
  • 03Think about how users can become active participants rather than passive observers.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo explore new understandings of 'liveness' and 'presence' in participatory networked performance using mobile media and wearable technology.
MethodPractice-based research and performance art.
ProcedureDeveloped and staged a series of mobile media performances called 'MINDtouch', which used mobile videophones and wearable devices to explore non-verbal communication and the sense of 'presence' in real-time, mobile contexts.
ContextDigital media performance art and networked communication.

Variables

IV["Use of mobile media and wearable devices","Participatory networked performance context"]
DV["Sense of 'liveness'","Sense of 'presence'","Non-verbal communication effectiveness"]
CV["Specific mobile technologies used","Network conditions","Participant familiarity with technology"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Innovative practice-based approach.
  • +Exploration of novel forms of digital interaction.

Limitations

The findings are based on artistic performances and may not be generalizable to all user groups or contexts.

Reliability & validity

The validity of the findings relies heavily on the subjective experience of participants in a specific performance context. Replicating the exact conditions and subjective responses would be challenging, impacting reliability.

Think critically

To what extent can the 'liveness' and 'presence' experienced in a performance art context be replicated or translated into everyday digital products and services?

05

Design Principles

"Embodied digital communication enhances the perception of presence and liveness."

This research highlights how technology can be used to bridge physical distance and foster a sense of connection. Designers can leverage these insights to create more engaging and emotionally resonant digital experiences, moving beyond purely functional interactions.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Using phones and special gadgets in live performances can make people feel like they are really there with each other, even if they are far away, by letting them share feelings and ideas without words.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this study when exploring user experience in digital products, particularly concerning presence, liveness, and non-verbal communication.
  • 2.Use it to justify the inclusion of features that promote embodied interaction or sensory feedback.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The research by Baker (2011) on 'MINDtouch' suggests that participatory networked performances utilizing mobile media can foster a sense of 'liveness' and 'presence' through non-verbal, visual, and sensual communication. This highlights the potential for designing digital experiences that enhance user connection and emotional resonance by moving beyond purely functional interactions and embracing embodied forms of digital expression.

09

Source

International Journal of Performance Arts and Digital Media

‘MINDtouch’ – embodied ephemeral transference: Mobile media performance research

journal · 2011

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about mobile media can foster a sense of 'liveness' and 'presence' through non-verbal, sensual communication?
Consider how to design digital interfaces and experiences that enable non-verbal, sensual communication to foster a stronger sense of presence and connection between users, especially in remote or distributed contexts. Evidence: International Journal of Performance Arts and Digital Media (2011).
Why does "Mobile media can foster a sense of 'liveness' and 'presence' through non-verbal, sensual communication." matter for design?
This research highlights how technology can be used to bridge physical distance and foster a sense of connection. Designers can leverage these insights to create more engaging and emotionally resonant digital experiences, moving beyond purely functional interactions.
How can designers apply this research?
Consider how to design digital interfaces and experiences that enable non-verbal, sensual communication to foster a stronger sense of presence and connection between users, especially in remote or distributed contexts.
What were the main findings?
Mobile videophones can serve as a novel medium for non-verbal, visual, and sensual communication across space.. Participatory networked performances can evoke sensations of 'liveness' and 'presence' through the embodiment of technology within the network space.. The 'daisy chain' of technologies in mobile performances can interweave participants and performers, blurring the lines between them.
What research method was used?
Practice-based research and performance art..
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2011 journal from International Journal of Performance Arts and Digital Media.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing collaborative tools or social platforms, consider incorporating features that allow for more expressive, non-verbal feedback or sensory input to enhance user connection.
What are the limitations?
The research is specific to performance art contexts and may not directly translate to all digital product design.