Designing full body movement interaction using modern dance as a starting point

This paper presents an ongoing doctoral project that concerns design and development of computer interfaces supporting full body movement interaction. It combines theories and experiences from dance education and HCI. The main aim is to try out a new approach to develop concepts of movement-based interaction. The work consists of an explorative case study aiming at describing the learning process that HCI students and professionals experience when attending a course in Physical Expression, based on modern dance and improvisation. A second aim is to describe the possible reflection of this experience in the design outcome. The third aim is to develop an example of a full body movement-based environment. The study is using a qualitative approach and makes use of data as interviews, video, texts and design mock-ups. Preliminary results show that the course provides new perspectives on bodily communication and may function as a "mind opener".