A people-centred computational approach to inspire Swansea residents to engage in expressive arts
Abstract:
The work in this thesis represents three months within a larger 3 year project; it focuses on the design and creation of an interactive expressive arts centre (Experience Centre). The objective of the Centre was to provide a digital and physical location for young people
in Swansea to participate in expressive arts , as defined in the Curriculum for Wales. The project focuses on young people due to the opportunity presented by the new curriculum. The change will result in expressive arts occupying a more prominent role. A design thinking methodology was used, with the various development stages being revisited over time. The project was human-centred by building it around stakeholder participation and human expertise. Human values were also embedded into the responsible research and innovation frameworks used. The thesis used research from a number of domains including visual art, physical design, digital interaction, pedagogy, and gaming. The research informed two studies which focused on visual arts and dance. Creative writing was left out of the studies as the author had done prior work. The results of the studies led to the design of a Centre which is due for completion in November 2021. The main contribution this thesis makes is in its approach to expressive arts provision for young people. Future development of thiswork will include an analysis of the usage and feedback from the Centre between its opening and June 2022.