Enactive Systems and Enactive Media: Embodied Human-Machine Coupling beyond Interfaces
Mauri Kaipainen, Niklas Ravaja, Pia Tikka, Rasmus Vuori, Roberto Pugliese, Marco Rapino, Tapio Takala
Leonardo September 13, 2011 DOI: 10.1162/leon_a_00244 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 91 |
| Key points | Proposes that an "enactive system," in which human and technology are coupled holistically through bodily and spatial involvement, offers an alternative to the standard human-computer system. Argues this system is recursive and relies on an implicit connecting surface based on unconscious psycho-physiological reactions, and that it implies novel concepts of "enactive media." |
Abstract
This paper proposes the concept of enactive system as an alternative to the standard human-computer system and elaborates the idea of content mediation as enactive media. The authors' system consists of the two elements coupled in a holistic manner by means of bodily and spatial involvement, or enactment. Such a system is recursive by nature, involving the impact of the technology on the human agent as well as the effect of the human experience on the technology. Instead of the standard explicit interface, there is an implicit connecting surface, based on unconscious psycho-physiological reactions. The aim is not only to point out an analytic approach to existing media systems but also to develop radically novel media concepts implied by the enactive systems.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Enacting Media. An Embodied Account of Enculturation Between Neuromediality and New Cognitive Media Theory. Frontiers in Psychology 2021
- On the Development of an Enactive Soundwalking Device Computer Music Journal June 12, 2026
- Screendance as enactment in Maya Deren’s At Land DAT Journal June 12, 2018