DeviceD: Audience-dancer interaction via social media posts and wearable for haptic feedback

Area of Science:

• Performance Studies
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Haptic feedback devices have a 25-year history in artistic applications.
• Recent research indicates growing interest in haptics within dance.
• Integrating audience interaction into live performance remains an evolving area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the development and methodology of the DeviceD performative installation.
• To explore the use of wearable haptic systems for audience-dancer interaction.
• To evaluate the technological and performative aspects of DeviceD for future research.

Main Methods:

• Development of a wearable haptic feedback system with four actuator motors.
• Integration with Twitter API to trigger stimuli based on user posts (mentions, hashtags, keywords).
• Dancer's interpretation of haptic biofeedback using Laban's Effort movement qualities.

Main Results:

• DeviceD successfully mediated audience-initiated haptic stimuli to a dancer.
• The system facilitated dynamic shifts in choreographic performance based on biofeedback.
• The collaborative development process refined both technology and methodology.

Conclusions:

• DeviceD demonstrates a novel approach to audience-driven performance through wearable haptics.
• The study provides a foundation for further research into interactive wearable haptic devices in performance.
• The integration of social media and physical feedback opens new avenues for artistic expression.