Participant responses to physical, open-ended interactive digital artworks: a systematic review

The main aim of this systematic review was to describe responses of participants to physical, open-ended interactive digital artworks. Although human-to-artwork and human-to-human responses were found in the 22 identified artworks, more human-to-artwork responses were reported. Both types of responses were further categorised into physical, verbal, and cognitive/emotional responses. The artworks varied from small table-top installations to large, dark open spaces, and had a range of interactive components and features from a heart rate interface to complete body movements. Results imply there is no straightforward relationship between the features of the artwork and the kind of response. However, two factors seemed to influence the participants’ responses: the content (concrete or abstract) of the artwork, and the presence of others. Creating interactive artworks that challenge new audiences and/or evoke specific responses requires more knowledge about the dynamics of the interaction between people and interactive artworks.