An Investigation into Playful Interactive Experiences within Public Space

This investigation aimed to produce methods of regeneration for underutilised public areas, encouraging social and spatial interactions through play permission. Approached from an interdisciplinary perspective, design and artistic installation merge with social science. Central skills of communication develop at a young age where play is a major contributor, but in a globalised world interactions are increasingly ‘virtual’ rather than physical. Research hypothesis suggests playful designs as catalysts for change will alter spatial usage and user perceptions, thus creating exciting places for public life. Ideally a ‘playful interactive experience’ is seemingly humorous participatory design unexpectedly intervening with public space, allowing participation with an ephemeral experience. Investigation contributions are frameworks for the creation and evaluation of playful interactive experiences, to be utilised at academic or professional levels, aiming for: playful environment creation, and analysis of user interactions. Design for research methodology tested framework parameters through the utilisation of design artefacts. Multiple methods were employed to triangulate results: onsite questionnaires, focus groups, and professional interviews provided the study with public and professional opinions. Secondly, observational behavioural mapping displays visual and statistical outcomes for data comparison. Modified user perception, increased usage and positive social engagements reveal that: play permission implemented correctly is a successful method for place creation. Conclusions indicate that humorous outcomes can be enjoyed by all as economic, fun and non traditional solutions to ‘placemaking.’ Findings allowed for framework development in their concluding form. Future recommendations suggest a handbook detailing the playful interactive experience. New questions prompt discussions into: impacts on anti-social behaviour, continued employment over greater time periods and additional spatial settings. This research was carried out by De Montfort University, aided by Frederick University and Urban Gorillas, NGO. It was an investigation into playful interactive experiences with intentions of improving sociability and perceptions, promoting creativity and usage within underutilised public spaces.