Lightning Talk
Steve Karpik, PhD
SteveKarpik.com Inc.
Biography
For over 16 years, Steve Karpik was the Senior Scientist for Technology and Computers at the Ontario Science Centre. Steve is now an independent developer of interactive digital exhibits. His interests lie in the convergence of design, multimedia and technology with application to education, communication, and entertainment.
Abstract
In late 1945 with the invention of the ENIAC, the world’s first electronic, general purpose computing device, the age of computers was ushered in. The interface to the first generation of computers was anything but user friendly. Who would have imagined back then that computers would have a place in art galleries and museums? For that, interactivity was required.
After a generation of development, interactive digital art and computer‐based interactive exhibits are going through a major transformation. The lone, single‐user kiosk is being replaced by natural user interfaces where it is no longer obvious that one is interacting with a computer. Further, individual experiences are being replaced by social interactions. It is now possible for users to explore, touch and interact with this new generation of exhibits in the context of a shared social experience.
This presentation looks at the evolution and future of computer interfaces and how these interfaces affect the ability of the artist or exhibit developer to create engaging and social experiences mediated by digital technology. Besides looking at technologies like augmented reality, touch interfaces, gestural computing, the presentation also looks at hybrid exhibits that network physical, electronic and computer‐based devices to create shared “body on” experiences.