Speculations

Chris Crawford examines several interactivity research designs in the 19th chapter. He states that research in interactive storytelling is speculative and are not designed to function. The design is meant to demonstrate that one day with the proper funding, it could be "feasible/functional." I understand the importance of coming up with ideas that push the envelope and test boundaries. Yet, I feel that to some extent grad students that are conducting this research should keep feasibility in the forefront of their mind. What's the point of spending time and money on something that could never happen? Design at some point needs to have some sort of function behind it, otherwise it's just pretty. Crawford also talks about Facade, which we explored a bit a few weeks ago. Crawford, says that Facade is "the best actual working interactive storyworld." He does address that this program is confined and there are reaction deciders. This seems to me that the interactivity is very limited. I feel that as a participant you are a simple bystander in an awkward situation. So I would say that this program is interactive but on an extremely limited level.