What is the Lega? : Exploring the use of a movement-based interactive artifact in an art exhibition

Abstract: This thesis explores the use of an interactive artifact designed to let friends physically share their experiences with each other in an art exhibition. The device, called “the Lega” is a research prototype designed with an interest in bodily interaction and visitors' interactions in museum environments. The Lega is a handheld device which has an ovoid shape that fits in the palm of a user's hand. By moving and touching the Lega in different ways the users can create tactile traces of their experiences that can be received by their friends.The thesis presents results from a qualitative analysis of material from a user observation conducted with the Lega at the Vårsalongen exhibition at Liljevalchs in the spring 2010. The analysis investigates how the visitors used the Lega in experiencing the art and to express themselves as well as their social behavior around the Lega, and how the Lega became a part of their art hall visit. Findings on different ways that users create an understanding of and finds meaning in an ambiguous artifact are presented, as well as different ways users use the body to establish a relationship with the artifact. Among these findings are those of users inventing a language of movements to express themselves with the Lega and users who mimic art pieces with the Lega.