Exercise: Precedent Research

For this exercise I would like everyone to look outside the existing course resources to find a project related to the course themes. The disciplinary scope is open, you are welcome to choose projects which identify as art, design, performance, products, or research as per your interests.

For Fall 2025, we are exploring interactive systems through the lens of understanding hidden agency. This agency may include the hiddent intent of the authors or the unrevealed objectives of an autonomous system.

Please make sure your selection includes the following attributes:

• human-machine interaction

• physical form and gesture (no purely digital interactions)

• an element of deception or secrecy

Please also consider the following attributes:

• What is the context of the interaction? E.g. public space, gallery, home.

• What information is available to the participants?

• Where is the locus of deception?

• Is the interaction transactional? Does the participant make an specific exchange or gain?

• What is the interaction duration? Is it ambient? Intentional? Episodic?

Process

Please explore both online and library resources to find another project which can provide insight into generative robot performance. Please consider the following questions:

• What is the balance of expression between behavior and form?

• What feature of the work could we specifically evolve into our own technique?

• What details of the artwork or concept are not immediately apparent and how do they inform the work?

• Are there closely related works?

Deliverables

Please post a brief report or slides to the appropriate shared folder and be prepared to lead an in-class discussion. Please include the following:

• one-sentence synopsis of the result

• a brief analysis of the behavior

• links to additional sources, if online

• images or an an embedded video, if available