Continuums of Interactivity

 

One way to consider the meaning of interactivity is to envision all experiences (and products) as inhabiting a continuum of interactivity. On one side are passive experiences like reading a typical book or watching television. While some have argued that even in these events there is an interaction between the mind and the device or the imagination and the story, these are somewhat faint and philosophical ideas. In comparison, these activities don't exhibit the kinds of choice, control, productivity, or creativity of experiences like painting, conversing, or producing a television program. The difference that defines interactivity, then can include the amount of control the audience has over the tools, pacing, or content, the amount of choice this control offers, and the ability to use the tool or content to be productive or to create.

All products and experiences can, therefore by placed along this continuum. It is important to note that there is no good or bad side of this continuum. The only judgment should be if the level of interactivity (place along the continuum) is appropriate to the goals of the experience or the messages to be communicated.

Interactivity is different from production value or "richness." Typical television programs and films can have incredibly rich stories, techniques, and presentations, but offer almost no interaction (except turning the channel or leaving the theater). Compare this with the experience of improv comedy in which the audience is involved by offering suggestions or actually joining the action and the story is created as you watch.

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copyright 1994 Nathan Shedroff

 

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