Beyond Data: Abstract Motionscapes as Affective Visualization

Abstract motionscapes – the extensive compositions of visual forms in motion – are often used for the evocation of affective experience in many recent interactive artifacts and environments. The aesthetics of motionscapes can be informed by case studies and from close readings in the fields of experimental animation, abstract cinema, and generative and interactive art and design. Recent empirical research investigating the affective affordances of motionscapes [13, 14, 26, 27] also brings new perspectives to the design language of motionscapes. In this paper, we summarize key findings from previous research on the affective expressiveness of abstract motionscapes, and argue that abstract motionscapes that are commonly employed in artistic contexts can be appropriated for the design space of HCI as a rich modality for affective visualization. We propose an initial set of principles and guidelines for communicating, evoking and creating affect through abstract motionscapes in immersive and engaging environments such as games, meditation and performances. While these principles are commonly understood by artists, we translate and posit these principles so that can be utilized by HCI practioners.motionscapes – the extensive compositions of visual forms in motion – are often used for the evocation of affective experience in many recent interactive artifacts and environments. The aesthetics of motionscapes can be informed by case studies and from close readings in the fields of experimental animation, abstract cinema, and generative and interactive art and design. Recent empirical research investigating the affective affordances of motionscapes [13, 14, 26, 27] also brings new perspectives to the design language of motionscapes. In this paper, we summarize key findings from previous research on the affective expressiveness of abstract motionscapes, and argue that abstract motionscapes that are commonly employed in artistic contexts can be appropriated for the design space of HCI as a rich modality for affective visualization. We propose an initial set of principles and guidelines for communicating, evoking and creating affect through abstract motionscapes in immersive and engaging environments such as games, meditation and performances. While these principles are commonly understood by artists, we translate and posit these principles so that can be utilized by HCI practioners.