Performing with a system's intention: embodied cues in performer-system interaction

Abstract

Interactive computer systems have been explored in the performing arts for the past two decades, incorporating several models of the Performer-Technology relationship. As computer systems are afforded greater autonomy and agency in performance and everyday interactions, an interface that reflects the collaborative nature of the Performer-Performer relationship is required. One potential solution utilizes the embodied knowledge of the performer's interaction by modeling breathing patterns in a computer agent as cues to the system's intended action. This choice is supported by theories from cognitive science, performing arts and philosophy illustrating that our embodied perception of other's intention provides the basis for human interaction. We engage the performer's awareness of the computer's 'intention' by modeling breathing patterns as embodied cues, engaging the performer's sense of intuition and empathy. We present our evaluation of a Performer-System interaction model with data collected from performers improvising in studio sessions with a system designed to project its intention through a simulated breath.