Participatory art and computers: identifying, analysing and composing the characteristics of works of participatory art that use computer technology

This research was initiated to determine the essential characteristics of participatory works of art that use computer technology. Through comparing ideas and practices which emerged during the practical development of a participatory work called Smallworld with those reported by makers and critics of existing works a need was identified for a general system of analysis of these works which can be remembered easily and applied in their critical evaluation and realisation. The thesis proposes a system of analysis in which the principal characteristics are considered to be those which contribute to the degree and manner of control afforded to participants. The system can be applied in the composition of works as well as in their analysis: it is demonstrated that the characteristics identified can be composed and that works can be considered to be compositions of changing degree and manner of control. The system proposed is intended to serve as a paradigm for the development of further systems to analyse such works and to contribute to the evolution of a language with which to discuss them. Although the thesis addresses a special class of the use of interactive computer technology it is intended to contribute to the broader discussion of the use of computer technology in participatory situations.