Computers as Theatre, Second Edition

2. Dramatic Foundations: Part 1: Elements of Qualitative Structure

The purpose of this chapter and the next is to provide a framework of dramatic theory that can be applied to the task of designing human-computer experiences. They are structured around the fundamental precepts of dramatic form and structure and are based primarily on Aristotelean poetics.¹ We will take up each basic idea and then adapt it to the human-computer context, arriving at what may be described as a poetics of interactive form (remember that we defined “human-computer interaction” as enabling and representing actions with human and technological participants). Once we have constructed a theoretical base, we will go on to explore its implications in some selected areas ...