Interactive Art, Performance and Scientific Research into Corporeal Empathy

Abstract

This paper presents the evaluation of a design research project that combines artistic practice and academic theory at a high standard in both fields, proving that the problem-based learning (PBL) is a strong method for bridging the gap between those fields. “Researching Empathy Through Performance” was a Master thesis of Interaction Design and consisted of the development of an artistic performance entitled “My Body, Your Room”, which functioned as a site for conducting scientific research into corporeal empathy. The project investigated how embodied methodologies that combine dance performance and interactive technologies can strengthen empathic relationships between the audience, performer, and the environment. The project was developed at the Kolding School of Design in Denmark, and utilised cross-disciplinary theories, concepts and methods from interaction design, performance studies and neurology. The working methodology drew on artistic approaches and scientific research methods such as quantitative and qualitative analysis; the analysis included video documentation, ethnography, surveys and interviews.