Example of Interactive Design

As we were shown in the lecture the multimedia exhibit of “By Standers” by Kate Richards and Ross Gibson (2006) is an impressive example of the use of interactive design. The multimedia exhibit for “By Standers” is an instillation combining the use of audio and visual design with the design of the art space and of course interactive design.
While a huge amount of work went into creating the piece collecting all the data and producing the artistic elements of it, it is the way in which the piece interacts with the users. Through a system of motion and sound sensors the program adjusts itself to give the person/s viewing a varying level of intimacy with the artwork.
For instance should the be to much movement and noise the exhibit will in a sense draw itself away from the people viewing it, encouraging a change in behavior from them.
This demonstration of a program being able to create a change in actions from those using it is a strong use of interactive design, showing the influence design has on its users. And while there are also software controls that allow for different speeds and depth of the artwork, it is mainly the human interaction with this instillation that shows how extraordinary it is.