Networks and artworks: the failure of the user friendly interface

Abstract

Abstract This essay describes how communication systems have been used by a few artists and attempts to place their practice within the historical and critical context of postmodernist dialogue and, in particular, the evolution of a new communication paradigm. It also questions the value of ‘user-friendly’ user interfaces. By adopting metaphors which reflect existing media usage these interface tools reinforce traditional points-of-view and make it difficult, if not impossible, to investigate and develop a new multimedia context and ‘language’.