Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 1.8.
An alternate view of human-computer interaction, in which the
representation is all there is. The shape of the “stage” is oval, like the beam of a
spotlight, to suggest that all that matters is that which is “illuminated.”
The idea of enabling humans to take action in representational worlds is
missing in most attempts to use theatre simply as an interface metaphor. A
central goal of this topic is to suggest ways in which we can use a notion
of theatre not simply as a metaphor, but as a way to conceptualize human-
computer interaction itself.
Focusing on human agency allows us to simplify another perpetually
problematic concept, the notion of interactivity. People in the computer
game business have been arguing about it for decades. In 1988, the fi rst
conference aimed at bringing together people from all sectors of the inter-
active entertainment business took place in New York.
8
People came from
such diverse industries as personal computers, videogames, broadcast and
cable television, optical media, museums, and amusement parks. Over the
course of the two days, a debate about the meaning of the word “interac-
tive” raged through every session, disrupting carefully planned panels and
presentations. People seemed to regard “interactivity” as the unique cul-
tural discovery of the electronic age, and they demanded a coherent defi ni-
tion. Several speakers tried to oblige, but no one succeeded in presenting
a defi nition that achieved general acceptance. Many participants departed
8. INtertainment was an annual conference sponsored by Alexander Associates.
