Telematic dinner party: Designing for togetherness through play and performance

Pollie Barden*, Rob Comber, David Green, Daniel Jackson, Cassim Ladha, Tom Bartindale, Nick Bryan-Kinns, Tony Stockman, Patrick Olivier

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

82 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

There is an increasing desire to remain connected when physically distant and computer-mediated communication (CMC) is one means of satisfying this desire. In particular, there is a growing trend for individuals to use commercially available technology to connect with friends and family in social and leisure settings. Drawing on this trend, performative arts and existing telecommunications research, we identify the social practice of sharing a meal together as ripe for reinterpretation within CMC. We explore the opportunities to design a technology platform that supports remote guests in experiencing togetherness and playfulness within the practices of a traditional dinner party. Through both visual and aural channels as well as remote agency, the dinner guests were able to share a holistic telematic dining experience comparable to a traditional co-presence dinner. Based on the findings, we propose that one must consider the social structure and cultural background of users to inform the design of a technological intervention.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Designing Interactive Systems Conference, DIS '12
Pages38-47
Number of pages10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
EventDesigning Interactive Systems Conference, DIS '12 - Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Duration: 11 Jun 201215 Jun 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Designing Interactive Systems Conference, DIS '12

Conference

ConferenceDesigning Interactive Systems Conference, DIS '12
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityNewcastle Upon Tyne
Period11/06/1215/06/12

Keywords

  • casual group collaboration
  • play
  • remote agency
  • social structure
  • telematic dinner party
  • togetherness

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