The Aesthetics and Practice of Designing Interactive Computer Events is an online paper by Stephen Wilson that has a nice tour through disciplines discussing interactivity from psychology to anthropology. Wilson tackles interactivity by considering what is non-interactive like a photograph, movie, or book. The difference between interactive and non-interactive has to do with the aesthetic use of choice. Interactive works structure choice into the art. Non-interactive works can be interacted with – but that lies outside the work or author’s control. The other difference is the timing and pace of interactive works. In interactive works timing can be used and they are not linear (typically.)
Some quotes:
“The mere inclusion of user choice in media does not automatically make engaging events: interactive entertainment programs are not necessarily more entertaining.”
“Similarly, the inclusion of choice structures does not automatically indicate a new respect for the user’s autonomy, intelligence, or call out significant psychic participation. In fact, some analysts suggest that much interactive media is really a cynical manipulation of the user, who is seduced by a semblance of choice.”
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