=Paper=
{{Paper
|id=Vol-3685/short4
|storemode=property
|title=Inclusive User Engagement in Artistic Installation Development: A Framework for Future Creative Endeavors
|pdfUrl=https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-3685/short4.pdf
|volume=Vol-3685
|authors=Arminda Guerra Lopes,Adriana Moreno
|dblpUrl=https://dblp.org/rec/conf/avi/LopesM24
}}
==Inclusive User Engagement in Artistic Installation Development: A Framework for Future Creative Endeavors==
https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-3685/short4.pdf
Inclusive User Engagement in Artistic Installation
Development: A Framework for Future Creative Endeavors
Arminda Guerra Lopes1, Adriana Moreno2
1 Polytechnic University of Castelo Branco & ITI/LARSyS, Portugal*
2
University Federal de Roraima, Brasil
Abstract
This paper presents a case study of end users actively engaging and contributing to developing and
refining an artistic installation. The study included end users throughout the development process, from
initial ideation to presentation in art galleries. End users, representing the public audience, were
observed, and surveyed regarding their user experience (UX) with the installation. Their feedback was
systematically integrated into each phase of development and improvement. The main contribution of
this paper is the presentation of a comprehensive framework derived from this process, which can serve
as a valuable guide for future artistic endeavors aiming to incorporate user perspectives and enhance
overall user engagement.
Keywords
Artistic installation, End User, Identities, Memories, User experience, Nature, and Technology1
1. Introduction
Artistic installations serve as platforms for creative expression and interaction, suppressing
the boundaries between art, technology, and audience engagement. Traditionally, the
development of such installations has been driven by the vision and expertise of artists and
designers, with limited direct involvement from end users. However, embracing a user-
centered approach can enrich the creative process and result in installations that resonate
more deeply with their intended audience.
The development of the artistic installation followed a participatory design approach,
involving iterative cycles of ideation, prototyping, testing, and refinement. End users were
recruited from diverse demographic backgrounds to ensure representative feedback.
Observation sessions were conducted during public presentations of the installation in art
galleries, supplemented by structured interviews and surveys to gather qualitative and
quantitative data on user experience.
Analysis of user feedback revealed insights into various aspects of the installation,
including aesthetics, interactivity, accessibility, and emotional impact [1]. End users
expressed preferences, suggestions for improvement, and interpretations of the artwork,
Proceedings of the 8th International Workshop on Cultures of Participation in the Digital Age (CoPDA 2024):
Differentiating and Deepening the Concept of "End User" in the Digital Age, June 2024, Arenzano, Italy
* Corresponding author.
aglopes@ipcb.pt (A. Lopes); adriana.moreno@campus.ul.pt (A. Moreno)
0000-0002-1969-9937 (A. Lopes); 0000-0002-1863-3530 (A. Moreno)
© 2024 Copyright for this paper by its authors. Use permitted under Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).
CEUR
ceur-ws.org
Workshop ISSN 1613-0073
Proceedings
providing valuable input for iterative refinement. Key themes that emerged from the data
informed the development of the framework, encompassing principles such as inclusivity,
accessibility, engagement, and co-creation.
The framework presented in this paper extracts the iterative process of user engagement
and integration of feedback into a systematic approach that can be applied in future artistic
installations. It consists of guiding principles, methodologies, and best practices for
involving end users throughout the development lifecycle [2], [3]. Key components include
Inclusivity: Ensuring diverse representation and accessibility to engage a broad range of end
users [4]. Co-creation: Collaborating with end users in the ideation, design, and evaluation
stages to foster a sense of ownership and connection [5]. Iterative refinement: Incorporating
user feedback into successive iterations of the installation to address usability issues and
enhance the overall user experience. Empathy-driven design: Understanding the
perspectives, needs, and emotions of end users to create meaningful and engaging
interactions [6]. Continuous evaluation: Monitoring user engagement and satisfaction
through observation, surveys, and feedback mechanisms to inform ongoing improvements.
By presenting a framework derived from developing an artistic installation with active
end-user engagement, this paper highlights the potential for integrating user-centered
principles into creative endeavors. The framework offers practical guidance for artists,
designers, and cultural institutions seeking to enhance user experience and audience
engagement in future artistic installations. By prioritizing inclusivity, co-creation, and
iterative refinement, stakeholders can create immersive and meaningful experiences that
resonate with diverse audiences and contribute to advancing art and technology
integration.
2. End-users in the Digital Age
In the contemporary digital age, the term "end user" refers to individuals who utilize digital
technologies, software, and services for various purposes, ranging from personal to
professional endeavors [7]. They are crucial in driving innovation, shaping technology, and
influencing consumption patterns. Understanding their characteristics, behaviors, and
needs is essential for designing user-friendly interfaces, developing effective digital
solutions, and ensuring user satisfaction.
End users in the digital age encompass a diverse demographic spectrum, including
individuals from different age groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, and
geographic locations. While younger generations are often early adopters and proficient
users of digital technologies, older demographics are increasingly becoming adept at
utilizing digital tools for communication, entertainment, and productivity. End users display
a wide range of characteristics and behaviors influenced by factors such as digital literacy,
technological proficiency, socio-cultural norms, and individual preferences. Those who
have grown up surrounded by technology, known as digital natives, tend to be more
comfortable with complex digital interfaces and adaptive to technological changes [8]. On
the other hand, digital immigrants, who have adopted technology later in life, may face
challenges in navigating digital platforms but often exhibit resilience and eagerness to learn.
The adoption of digital technologies has significantly transformed various aspects of daily
life, including communication, entertainment, education, commerce, and healthcare [9].
End users leverage digital platforms and devices for social networking, content
consumption, online learning, e-commerce transactions, remote work, telemedicine
consultations, and more. The widespread availability of digital tools has facilitated the
seamless integration of technology into various domains, enhancing convenience and
efficiency for end users [10].
3. Research Methods
The data collection methods were approached, with flexibility including interviews,
observations, field notes, and questionnaires. While maintaining technical accuracy in their
procedures, the data collection process was adaptable to methodologies that best suited the
study's objectives, guided by questions or research problems rather than hypotheses. The
integration of user experience and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) methods was not
constrained by practical assumptions; instead, it is a summary from a methodological
framework capable of comprehending a broader context, as evidenced in studies that
combine methodologies [11], [12], [13], [14].
These authors' works emphasized fostering empathy and engagement through users'
participatory actions, employing a playful approach to design study.
4. The SeaGrains Artistic Installation
The SeaGrains artistic installation exemplifies immersive technology, which encompasses
various perceptual and interactive technologies bridging the gap between the physical and
digital realms. It serves as an innovative means to connect people and places on a profound
level. Utilizing a diverse array of sensory inputs, humans perceive and engage with their
environment. It specifically, focuses on auditory memories—oral narratives and sound
snippets—gathered from different locales across Portugal, with the intent of exploring the
personal bonds influenced by the sea's symbolic significance in fostering a sense of
belonging.
SeaGrains takes the form of a listening box, inviting participants to immerse themselves
fully in the audio landscape. By concentrating on the spoken word or various sound
sources—both conventional and unconventional—manipulated beforehand, individuals
are guided along diverse narrative pathways. This results in a unique appropriation of
memories previously unearthed. Moreover, participants aren't merely passive listeners;
they become active narrators, co-authors, and producers of the auditory experience.
Everyone holds the agency to reconstruct their sonic environment, thus crafting a
personalized auditory realm. This engagement extends beyond mere auditory immersion
to encompass multisensory experiences, enriching the overall encounter.
In essence, SeaGrains facilitates an immersive journey into the interplay between sound,
memory, and personal connection to place. Through active participation, users not only
investigate submerged auditory experiences but also actively contribute to the co-creation
of their sonic narratives.
5. Results and Discussion
The application of various methods and methodologies provided valuable insights into the
user experiences with the interactive artistic installation. Employing an ethnographic
approach, we closely observed interactors' actions with prototypes and versions of the
installation across different spaces and interaction scenarios, utilizing qualitative
instruments to gather rich data.
Constructing the methodological framework necessitated a deliberate immersion into
conceptualizing a subjective experience. The production of the artistic installation involved
research exploring social and community knowledge, expressed through experiences in and
with the world. This catalyzed reflective thinking, fostering intersubjective knowledge
conducive to both contemplation and world transformation [15]. Interactors' involvement
in appropriating the SeaGrains widened access paths to unique interpretations,
transcending physical space.
Participant engagement was captured through recordings, visually and verbally,
although the primary focus remained on recording sound productions of lived or recalled
experiences. This registration step was crucial for studying the installation and considering
narratives as an artistic framework. Evaluating the artistic experience through
methodological procedures was an integral part of this ongoing process, highlighting the
importance of understanding the immersive experiences felt by interactors [16].
In immersive experiences, the duration of the experience and the spatial area covered by
the installation influenced the activity of SeaGrains. Each interactor established their
immersion levels with the box, resulting in diverse multisensory experiences shaped by
tactile paths. The installation facilitated the overlapping of sound paths from different
sources, allowing for the correlation, deepening, and extension of understanding of the
original theme. It embodies an active and continuous poetic process, fostering individual
apprehension of new soundscapes and expanding ways of experiencing identity
relationships with the sea.
5.1. Engaging the End User: Driving Changes in the SeaGrains Installation
The interactive installation was evaluated and analyzed during different exhibitions until
the final one according to the participants’ comments. During one of the evaluation
moments, the data collected was analyzed from two different points of view: observing
participants randomly and taking notes. We took 10 daily interactions from 30 observed
participants for three days. The second aspect was through the recorded information from
participants.
The results of this phase suggested that: The installation information was read after the
first interaction attempt; The profile of the interactors who were most interested in the
information about the installation before starting the interaction consisted of adults and the
elderly; The instructions could not be clear regarding the usage procedures; The stone was
one of the elements that motivated curiosity among the younger interactors (children and
adolescents); Many interactors tended to focus their hands on specific areas of the box,
leading to sensor inactivity in other parts; This behavior made it challenging for subsequent
interactors to engage with the entire installation, often prompting them to instinctively
trigger the central sensor (marked by a stone) to restart the box; Interactors unintentionally
created content due to their actions, likely due to misunderstanding the function of the red
recording button.
The SeaGrains installation underwent significant improvements and resolutions based
on participant interactions and feedback across multiple exhibitions, table 1.
Table 1 – Example of changes
Problems Solutions
Initial design of SeaGrains limited to bass sounds Expanded design to allow for varied interactions and
affective experiences with the box
Weaknesses in interactive system hardware and Improved hardware selection and equalization
sound settings, addressing volume discrepancies
Limited immersion due to small space and Expanded the box design to involve the interactor
duration more fully, providing a more immersive experience
Lack of control over audio playback Implemented controls to stop and skip audio
playback, enhancing the interactor's experience
Inhibition of interactors due to external equipment Reconsidered setup to minimize intimidation and
discomfort, encouraging more active participation
Limited observation for potential interactors Provided additional viewing opportunities,
enhancing engagement and interest in the
installation
Structural damage to the installation during Reinforced construction and protective measures to
exhibitions prevent damage, ensuring longevity and reliability
Confusion over functionality of buttons Enhanced labeling and instructional materials to
clarify the purpose of buttons and features
Based on the provided information, it's evident that the SeaGrains installation
underwent significant evolution and encountered various challenges throughout its
exhibition journey. Here's a summary of the key points:
Prototype Development: The installation progressed from prototype 1 to prototype 2
based on interactions with participants and feedback gathered from different exhibitions.
Adaptation of Resonance Box: Initially designed for emitting bass and intense vibrated
sounds, the resonance box was later adapted to offer diverse interaction possibilities and
affective experiences. Weaknesses in Interactive System: Issues such as audio output and
input hardware selection and volume discrepancies in sound fragments were identified as
weaknesses and were addressed. Sand Movement Mechanism: The installation utilized
piezoelectric sensors triggered by sand movement, communicating with Arduino to activate
random audio playback. Participant Interaction: Each participant's immersion level with
the installation varied, influenced by factors like time, space, and tactile experiences, leading
to different multisensory experiences. Design Adjustments: Changes in design, including
expanding the box shape to involve participants more and suggestions for incorporating
additional compositional elements like shells or marine rocks, were made based on
feedback. Technical Issues: Various technical problems were encountered, such as the
inability to stop audio playback, discomfort with external equipment like speakers and
microphones, and damage to the installation components during exhibitions.
Observational Element: The installation's design allowed observers to witness
interactions, potentially affecting their engagement. User Misinterpretation: Despite
instructions, users sometimes misunderstood certain elements of the installation, such as
mistaking the record button for a call button. Sensor Sensitivity: Adjustments to sensor
sensitivity were necessary at different times to improve responsiveness.
Overall, the SeaGrains installation underwent iterative improvements driven by
participant feedback, addressing technical issues, and enhancing user experience.
5.2. End User-Driven Iterations: Evolving the SeaGrains Installation
The narratives from participants emerged either spontaneously or inadvertently, resulting
in divergent yet generally positive outcomes. This is primarily because they revealed how
interactors engaged with the installation without external influence, merely guided by a
summary of the piece or intuitive curiosity. Additionally, the recordings encompassed
various languages (Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch), indicating a broad
range of interactors. Despite potential misunderstandings, the content remained
comprehensible.
The focus was on addressing issues related to the recording device and instructions, as
SeaGrains relies solely on the interactor's comprehension and involvement to generate new
recordings. Emphasizing the central role of the end user in shaping the artistic installation's
design, the development process unfolded through keen observation of user experiences.
These experiences encompassed emotional interactions, active user participation in
creating and narrating various sound sources, diverse perceptions of the sea, and the
creation of a dialogue space within different sensory contexts.
The primary contributions of this research turn around a transdisciplinary approach
within the realm of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and interaction design. This
approach involves integrating a technical paradigm, focusing on interactivity and digital
technologies as design materials, with a cognitive paradigm aimed at understanding how
individuals perceive digital materiality to inform interactive design. Additionally, the
research promotes HCI and design relationships, particularly in connection with nature.
The user-centered design and design experience, which are foundational concepts
within HCI, were integral to the entire design process. From the initial stages, narratives
about the SeaGrains system were sourced from fishermen and residents living near the sea,
drawing upon their memories and experiences. The installation was subsequently refined
and evolved based on ongoing user experiences and feedback gathered during exhibitions
(Figures 1 and 2).
5.3. Framework for Incorporating User Perspectives in Artistic Activities
The developed framework comprised key principles that aimed at adopting user-centric
design and enhancing overall user engagement
Placement of the end user at the forefront of the design process:
This principle emphasizes the selection of user’s needs, preferences, and experiences in
artistic creation.
Utilization methods such as interviews, observations, field notes, and questionnaires:
These methods are employed to gather insights into user behaviors, emotions, and
perceptions, ensuring that the design process is informed by user input.
Comprehensive user engagement model:
This model outlines various facets of user engagement, including emotional interactions,
active participation, and sensory experiences, providing a framework for understanding
and optimizing user engagement.
Use of Flexible data collection methods:
Employing flexible data collection methods allows for adaptation based on study
objectives and user group needs, ensuring that data collection is responsive to the context
and goals of the research.
Transdisciplinary approach:
Embracing a transdisciplinary approach integrates artistic experience with
methodologies from fields such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), fostering a holistic
understanding of user engagement and enriching the artistic process with diverse
perspectives.
Make an Iterative design process:
Implementing an iterative design process enables continuous refinement and evolution
based on ongoing user feedback and experiences, ensuring that the artistic installation is
responsive to user preferences and effectively engages its audience.
The Framework for future endeavors:
Presenting the developed framework as a valuable guide for future artistic endeavors
encourages the adoption of user-centric practices within the artistic community,
empowering artists, and designers to create immersive and impactful experiences that
resonate deeply with their audience.
Figure 1: A moment of Interaction, [17]
Introducing the components of our framework, we prioritize placing the end user at the
forefront of the design process. By centering our efforts around the needs, preferences, and
experiences of users, we ensure that our solutions are relevant and meaningful. To gather
insights into user behaviors and perceptions, we utilize a variety of methods including
interviews, observations, field notes, and questionnaires. This comprehensive approach
enabled us to capture a holistic understanding of user interactions and preferences.
Additionally, we adopted a comprehensive user engagement model that outlines various
facets of user engagement, such as emotional interactions, active participation, and sensory
experiences. Our transdisciplinary approach integrates diverse perspectives and
methodologies from fields such as design, psychology, and technology, fostering a
collaborative and holistic understanding of user engagement. Furthermore, we
implemented an iterative design process that allows for continuous refinement and
evolution based on user feedback and experiences. Finally, we followed the framework
guidelines for future endeavors, providing a valuable guide for ongoing and future projects
seeking to incorporate user-centric principles and enhance overall user engagement.
Figure 2: End-user interactions during an exhibition [17]
5.4. Supporting Co-creation: Strategies and Methodologies Used
Co-creation, as described by [18], is a collaborative approach to value creation that involves
stakeholders, including users, designers, and other relevant parties, working together to
generate solutions, products, or experiences. This concept emphasizes the active
involvement of end users throughout the design process, allowing them to contribute their
insights, ideas, and expertise. Co-creation is a fundamental aspect of design innovation,
highlighting its role in fostering collaborative relationships between users and designers
[19].
Co-creation was facilitated through some strategies and, methodologies aimed at
promoting collaboration, and innovation among end-users and designers. In the presented
case study, the following key approaches were utilized:
Open Innovation: During the SeaGrains exhibitions, end-users actively contributed ideas,
feedback, and solutions in a transparent and accessible manner. An important chore played
input in driving change and improvement in each prototype.
Design Thinking Approach: The development team consisted of multidisciplinary
contributors who utilized design thinking principles to explore and ideate solutions.
Activities such as brainstorming, and prototyping were central to this approach.
User-Centered Design Processes: Research methods provided valuable data to prioritize
end-users' needs and experiences. End-users were actively involved in hands-on activities
such as user research and usability testing, ensuring that the final product met their
requirements.
Co-creation Spaces: Physical spaces were provided for stakeholders to collaborate and
innovate, creating a conducive environment for creativity. These spaces were equipped
with tools for ideation and prototyping, facilitating the co-creation process.
Participatory Design Methods: Users were engaged as active participants in the design
process through techniques such as participatory meetings and ethnographic studies. This
ensured that their perspectives and insights were integrated into the final product.
Overall, co-creation was achieved through a combination of strategies that emphasized
collaboration, innovation, and active involvement of end-users throughout the design
process.
6. Conclusions
The development of the SeaGrains artistic installation exemplifies the great impact of end-
user involvement in shaping its design. Throughout the process, careful observation of user
experiences played a central role, encompassing emotional interactions, active
participation in sound creation and narration, diverse perceptions of the sea, and the
establishment of dialogue spaces within various sensory contexts.
The significance of this research lies in its transdisciplinary approach within the field of
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and interaction design. This approach integrates
technical paradigms, focusing on interactivity and digital technologies as design materials,
The SeaGrains artistic installation showcases the impact of end-user involvement in
design, emphasizing emotional interactions, active participation, diverse perceptions of the
sea, and dialogue spaces. The research integrates technical and cognitive paradigms in
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and interaction design, drawing insights from
narratives of fishermen and residents near the sea. Continuous engagement with end users
drives iterative refinement, highlighting the dynamic interplay between design and user
experiences.
The extension of "Grãos de Mar" into an Artistic Project explores experimental practices
in digital art within academic and community contexts. The project aims to create artistic
experiences aligned with emerging themes, with a focus on the development of the
"Emotion Signaler" digital art installation. This installation measures emotional intensities
through biosignal sensors, providing users with a unique and immersive experience that
captures and interprets their emotional responses visually and auditorily.
The "Emotion Signaler" serves as a research tool for studying the intersection of art,
technology, and human emotions, offering insights into emotional reactions elicited by the
installation. Collaboration between artists, technologists, and psychologists enriches the
creative process, ensuring the effective capture and conveyance of human emotion
complexities. Overall, the incorporation of experimental digital art practices aims to push
the boundaries of artistic expression, engage with contemporary themes and technologies,
and create meaningful experiences that contribute to digital art and emotion research.
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