Digital technologies allow for a wide range of reciprocal relationships between the work and the viewer. Both can respond, react and interact instantly. Digital works often use a combination of technologies-sensors, cameras, tracking - together with feedback and coding.

Digital technologies are providing new tools for artists and designers. Innovative, often interactive, displays use generative software, animation and other responsive technologies to instill a 'live' element into contemporary artworks. Some works exist in a state of perpetual evolution; others are altered by the behaviour of the spectator.

Interaction Design

Designer Mike Burton has developed a wall of water, called ‘the Waterboard’. Is is in interactive whiteboard that allows users to manipulate the flow of water. The fun part is that the water can be manipulated by drawing lines that form objects or by use of actual physical objects such as…..humans!

Mike Burton somehow achieved to define what the water does in reality into formulas. When a bowl is drawn the water will keep flowing in the bowl and the water level rises. When the bowl is full the water will flow over the edge and continue its new course. In that way all different paths can be made as long as it goes downward.

Another interesting detail is that the water responds to the time it is not flowing. After a certain period the water will develop into a greenish goo with little flies circling above the water.