Experimental work by artists and designers has always played a key role in shaping our understanding of the possible uses and functions of new and emerging technologies &ndash\; in other words\, of their scientific\, industrial\, commercial\, or rhetorical »\;affordances.«\; \;Rethinking Affordance\, consisting of a symposium\, an exhibition\, and an academic publication\, explores the critical significance of »\;affordance«\; in digital contexts and areas including media art\, media theory\, film\, art history\, and cultural theory.
\nThe concept of »\;affordance«\; originates from perceptual and cognitive psychology\, where it has been used to indicate the uses and functions materially inscribed in physical objects or environments. An object&rsquo\;s affordances were thus assumed to describe its phenomenological qualities\, signaling the object&rsquo\;s possible functions\, and telling us about potentials and limits of usability. Classic examples include door handles\, tea cups\, or stairs &ndash\; objects whose functions could presumably be grasped even by those who have never used them before. But how relevant are such traditional perspectives in contemporary digital contexts\, such as human-computer interaction or interface design?
\nFocusing on the experimental work of digital artists\, designers\, and theorists\, \;Rethinking Affordance \;explores what conceptual reconfigurations may be required so that we can better grasp the critical\, political\, and aesthetic affordances of new and emerging technologies.
\nThe symposium takes place within the \;art\, science &\; business \;program at Akademie Schloss Solitude. The event will be held in English. Admission is free.
\nPer diem meal allowance incl. lunch\, dinner\, coffee\, and beverages: 20 euros/10 euros for students.
\nPlease register until June 4\, 2018 \;via email to: Emily Knoll\, knoll@akademie-solitude.de\, Tel. +49 (0)711 99 619 482
\nFind more detailed information on Facebook:
\nhttps://www.facebook.com/events/1677240185685650/
\nAnd on the website of the Akademie Schloss Solitude:
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