Audience Experience Research Articles

Technologies in the History of the Movie Industry

The paper titled “Technologies in the History of the Movie Industry” examines the evolution of film technologies and their profound impact on the industry. It explores key technological advancements, from early silent films to talkies, black-and-white to colored films, and the rise of CGI and 3D technology. Each advancement not only enhanced the visual and emotional experience for audiences but also helped filmmakers convey complex ideas and create immersive worlds. The success of iconic films like Avatar, Metropolis, and Jurassic Park demonstrates how innovations in special effects, sound, and imagery have shaped the industry’s growth. The paper emphasizes that these technologies not only improved film quality but also allowed for deeper connections between audiences and the stories being told, ultimately expanding the possibilities of cinematic expression. Through historical analysis, the paper reveals how each technological milestone contributed to the artistic, cultural, and economic success of the film industry.

VisConductor: Affect-Varying Widgets for Animated Data Storytelling in Gesture-Aware Augmented Video Presentation

Augmented video presentation tools provide a natural way for presenters to interact with their content, resulting in engaging experiences for remote audiences, such as when a presenter uses hand gestures to manipulate and direct attention to visual aids overlaid on their webcam feed. However, authoring and customizing these presentations can be challenging, particularly when presenting dynamic data visualization (i.e., animated charts). To this end, we introduce VisConductor, an authoring and presentation tool that equips presenters with the ability to configure gestures that control affect-varying visualization animation, foreshadow visualization transitions, direct attention to notable data points, and animate the disclosure of annotations. These gestures are integrated into configurable widgets, allowing presenters to trigger content transformations by executing gestures within widget boundaries, with feedback visible only to them. Altogether, our palette of widgets provides a level of flexibility appropriate for improvisational presentations and ad-hoc content transformations, such as when responding to audience engagement. To evaluate VisConductor, we conducted two studies focusing on presenters (𝑁=11) and audience members (𝑁=11). Our findings indicate that our approach taken with VisConductor can facilitate interactive and engaging remote presentations with dynamic visual aids. Reflecting on our findings, we also offer insights to inform the future of augmented video presentation tools.

Provision of "Isms" and Spontaneous Art: From the Development of Art History

This paper explores the development of art from early cave paintings to modern Provisionism and spontaneous art, analyzing how art, as a significant form of human cultural expression, has continuously evolved with changes in society and technology. As time progresses, the definition and boundaries of art are no longer fixed but have expanded along with the shifting roles of artists. The rise of Provisionism indicates that artists are no longer merely creators of works but designers of audience experiences, with the meaning of artworks further extended and enriched through audience participation. At the same time, spontaneous art blurs the line between art and everyday life, suggesting that ordinary actions and improvisations can be considered art in the right context. This paper also discusses how these emerging art forms challenge traditional art concepts and provide new perspectives for the future development of art.

AI-assisted Curatorial Research

This thesis explores the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in curation, especially from the screening of photographic works to a new perspective of exhibition design and audience experience. With the rapid development of AI technology, the field of curation is undergoing profound changes.AI improves the efficiency and accuracy of work screening through image recognition and automated processing in photography; in exhibition design, it provides innovative tools for exhibition layout and optimisation by using Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technology; and in terms of audience experience, AI enhances interaction and engagement through intelligent guides and personalised recommendations. interactivity and engagement. However, the application of AI also faces challenges, including data privacy, creative constraints, costs and technical thresholds. Future research will focus on the integration of AI with artistic creation, the enhancement of personalised experiences, privacy protection, and the integration of cross-domain technologies. By addressing these challenges, AI is expected to drive continued innovation and development in the curatorial industry, providing smarter and more efficient solutions for art presentation and audience experience.

​​The Glass Witness​: Visual and Tactile Engagements with Online Medical Crowdfunding

Donation-based crowdfunding platforms invite people to tell stories of unmet health needs in a hybrid form—using both words and images—but research to date has not addressed the role of visual practice in this setting, in any detail. In this Photo Essay I present an art installation responding to this gap and informed by empirical data from a three-year study of medical crowdfunding in Aotearoa New Zealand. Through a feminist new materialist lens, and connecting to scholarship on visuality and the gaze, I used the medium of stained glass to evoke and connect the experiences of both campaigners and audiences. I briefly discuss the design process, alongside reflections on the role of graphic medical imagery in an assemblage of witnessing; on disability, shock, and the economic function of voyeurism; on non-normative bodies and subjectification through the gaze; on biases in audience recognition; and on paradoxes of intimacy and distance through digital technology. I highlight that both the content and the context of images have a role in shaping the ‘response-ability’ of networked publics to the suffering of distant others; in the case of medical crowdfunding, with significant consequences for healthcare access.

Haste Makes Waste: A Moderated Mediation Model of the Mechanisms Linking Artificial Intelligence Advancement to Film Firm Performance

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the modern film industry, revolutionizing production processes and redefining audience experiences. This study delves into the mechanisms through which AI advancement impacts film firm performance, with a focus on the mediating roles of innovation speed and quality, and the moderating effect of human-machine collaboration. Employing a resource-based view, we construct a moderated mediation model and analyze data from 355 global film firms. Our findings reveal that AI advancement positively influences film firm performance, with innovation quality serving as a significant mediator. However, the mediating role of innovation speed is not pronounced. Moreover, the degree of human-machine collaboration positively moderates the relationships between AI advancement and both innovation speed and quality. However, its moderating role between AI advancement and firm performance is not significant. The study underscores the theoretical and practical implications of utilizing advanced AI to foster innovation and competitive advantage in film firms.

Enhancing immersive sensation at the Iwami Kagura performance space using omnidirectional speakers: a case study of the worship halls at Shrines in the Iwami region, Japan

Iwami Kagura, originated from Iwami region in western Shimane, Japan-is a religious rituals narrating Japanese mythology has been persevered through centuries, maintaining its relevance in the present time. These religious rituals mainly dedicated to gods, features dynamic masked dance, fast music and vibrant costume creating an immersive experience for diverse audiences. The Iwami Kagura performances are popular inside and outside of Japan making a source of tourism for the region. Originally, Iwami Kagura was performed in the worship halls at shrines, therefore, it is important to understand the sacred atmosphere created by the performance considering acoustic measures that make the space immersive. In this study, we focused on the Iwami Kagura performed at worship halls of two shrines and compared the acoustic effects of omnidirectional speakers in both the shrines. Usually, directional speakers are used to amplify parts of performers' voices and music, however, performing space at shines are small in volume, and the directional speakers will provide strong direct sound to performers' voices and sound of flute. Thus, we studied acoustic characteristics of performance space within the precincts of the shrines, the acoustic effects of loudspeakers used and improved sense of presence using omnidirectional speakers.

Design and implementation of an E-commerce market place

Many small businesses and start-ups are faced with the challenge of promoting their business awareness to increase their profit margin. But many of these small businesses and start-ups cannot pay for domain registration and building of a functional website of their own. Thus, e-commerce application which can be a platform for many businesses is a good solution to this. It serves as incentive for revenue generation and business expansion in addition to promoting consumer interaction, entrepreneurship, and the growth of small businesses. Therefore, this paper aimed at design and implementation of an e-commerce application for tailors. The e-commerce system can protect sensitive customer data and secure online payment system which can serve as a platform for many businesses and start-up. This will promote business awareness, give ability to reach more customers and then improve owners profit margin. This project aims to harness the power of e-commerce marketplaces to create a tailored shopping experience for a specific target audience.

VTUBER PERSONAS IN DIGITAL WAYANG: A REVIEW OF INNOVATIVE CULTURAL PROMOTION FOR INDONESIAN HERITAGE

This study investigates the integration of VTuber into Wayang Digital as a strategic initiative to promote Indonesian cultural heritage. By leveraging advanced technologies such as real-time motion capture and artificial intelligence (AI), the project aims to enhance the animation quality and interaction of VTuber, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for audiences. The research focuses on three key aspects: VTuber integration's effectiveness in attracting international audiences, optimizing real-time motion capture for high-quality animation, and applying AI algorithms to create adaptive, responsive interactions between VTubers and their viewers. Through these innovations, the study aims to enrich the narrative and visual appeal of Wayang Digital, making it more accessible and appealing to a diverse global audience. The findings show that integrating advanced technologies enhances Wayang Digital's storytelling, aesthetics, and effectiveness as a powerful tool for cultural promotion. AI-enabled adaptive interactions create a personalized viewer experience, deepening audience connections with the traditional art form. High-quality animation preserves and effectively communicates Wayang's cultural nuances to audiences, enhancing its impact and cultural promotion. This study underscores the importance of continuous technological innovation and strategic implementation in the preservation and globalization of Indonesian heritage through digital media, suggesting that the future of cultural preservation lies in the seamless integration of tradition with cutting-edge technology.

The Sense Shaping of Taste in Composite Writing-- An Example of "Spicy" Presentation

<p>The integration of multimodal elements in contemporary writing practices has transformed the way sensory experiences are conveyed and internalized by audiences. This study illuminates the mechanisms through which composite writing shapes the sensory experience of taste, with a particular emphasis on the perception of spiciness. By examining composite writings from various media platforms, we uncover the intricate relationship between media representation and sensory perception. Our theoretical framework is anchored in the concepts of synesthesia, metaphor theory, and media studies, particularly the influential ideas of Marshall McLuhan on media extensions and human experience. The study lies in its exploration of how composite writing not only reflects but also shapes the audience's sensory experiences. We argue that the metaphorical use of spiciness in composite writing extends beyond the gustatory to encompass cultural and personal identities, challenging traditional hierarchies of sensory experience in aesthetic discourse.</p>

The best fit for your audience: using integrated evaluation methods for data collection at informal science events

ABSTRACT Carefully designed evaluations of informal science events are key to gaining insights into their efficacy and impact on audiences. However, traditional approaches to evaluation, such as interviews and questionnaires, can be disruptive to the audience experience of science events. There is therefore a need to develop and implement new evaluation methods that match the dynamic and transient contexts of informal science events, and that are integrated into the experience of the event. In this article, we outline the development and implementation of a set of novel integrated evaluation methods used to evaluate performances of Lines of Best Fit, a science-themed improvised comedy show founded in Sydney, Australia. We outline the methods used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from audiences at these events and provide reflections on the benefits and limitations of this approach based on our experiences of implementation across nine performances in different venues.

About Work (Bell)

This updated and newly translated version of the author’s 2007 essay describes in detail the various versions of Tanaka Atsuko’s pioneering Work (Bell). In the absence of the original 1955 version of the piece, Tanaka oversaw several reconstructions that now present a complicated legacy for the piece and its experience for audiences.

‘Disciplining the audience’: Audience experiences with MUBI

Through the case of MUBI, this article inquires into the changing audience habits with the proliferation of video-on-demand services and the discourse of control and choice, increased mobility, and democratic access. Drawing on in-depth interviews with subscribers of MUBI Turkey, this article explores the ways the audience relates to the imagined audience that MUBI assumes, promotes, and celebrates as a cultural gatekeeper and artistic patron/expert; and how, in turn, being a MUBI user becomes a sign of cultural taste. This study argues that even though users appreciate MUBI’s limited choice model compared to Netflix, they still experience feelings such as frustration, stress, and inadequacy. These feelings mainly result from MUBI’s artistic authority over them, established through the discourse of expertise/artistic patronage and limited-time model. On the other hand, users do not automatically accept the service’s expertise. Some are more critical of it than other VOD services (such as Netflix) because they consider watching MUBI a form of ‘intellectual labor’. Even though MUBI discursively maintains the long-standing dichotomies of niche-mainstream, arthouse-popular cinema, or high-lowbrow culture, the users experience these dichotomies more complexly according to their multiple subject positions.

Rethink Recovery: A Qualitative Approach to Exploring Messaging for Medication-Assisted Recovery (MAR).

Similar to national trends, in Illinois, fatal opioid overdoses have risen. Black men (35+) outrank all other racial subgroups for the highest rate of fatal opioid overdoses in the state. To address this, Prevention First and the Illinois Department of Human Services developed a public health education campaign to support increasing enrollment in recovery services, with a focus on Black men (35+). Self-reported Black participants with opioid use disorder (OUD) made up the analytic sample. Study goals were to understand lived experiences of the campaign audience; investigate knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding OUD and treatment; explore perceived barriers and facilitators to treatment; and evaluate messaging that showcased medication-assisted recovery (MAR) as a viable tool for treatment and recovery. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis. Participants shared long and cyclical journeys of use and recovery. Participants had low levels of knowledge of available treatment options and struggled to imagine themselves in recovery because of the fear of cravings and withdrawal. Messaging that was realistic about the cyclical nature of recovery, showed the varying options for MAR, and addressed cravings and withdrawals were well received. These findings illustrate the importance of understanding an audience and involving them in campaign development to create messaging that promotes behavior change and sustained health. Through the Decision Blocks strategic framework, we discovered information gaps, barriers to treatment, and practical solutions to increase access to treatment for Black men with OUD that has been limited due to inequities caused by structural racism.

Virtual Reality for the Visualised-Guided Tours of the Notre Dame Museum in Paris

This study aims to explore the application of virtual reality technology for visualization in museums, using Notre Dame de Paris, France, as an example. It is more rich in scenes, more interactive graphics, and other visualizations, which enables viewers to enjoy the reconstructed Notre Dame online with the best audio-visual effects. We used the Likert scale research method for a survey. The questionnaire was administered to 15 students and 15 experts for basic information collection and experience feedback. Using data statistics and qualitative analysis, the effectiveness of the guided tours was validated. The result showed that VR museum tours were supported with great potential. Its more interactive guided tour experience enhanced the audience's experience and improved their understanding and interest in history and culture. Virtual reality technology was successfully applied to guide NDDP by providing a richer and more interactive guided experience and promote the cultural heritage and development of the cathedral. The research result provides a reference and inspiration for the future development of guided tours of museums.

From Board Games to Video Games and the World of Avatars: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

In the digital age, the relationship between film and literature demonstrates how different forms of art can collaborate to improve the storytelling experience. Rather than competing, these mediums complement one another, each bringing their own strengths to the storytelling process. This mutual relationship not only enhances the audience's experience but also fosters a greater appreciation for both film and literature (Hutcheon, 2006; Sanders, 2016). The various film adaptations of Chris Van Allsburg’s picturebook Jumanji (1981) are excellent examples of how literature and film can complement and improve one another over time. The first major adaptation of Jumanji was released in 1995 starring Robin Williams and directed by Joe Johnston. Decades later, the story of Jumanji was revitalized with the releases of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) both directed by Jake Kasdan. These adaptations illustrate the changing nature of storytelling across mediums and how each new iteration introduces new perspectives and engages contemporary audiences in novel ways. Mikhail Bakhtin’s concepts of heteroglossia and dialogic relationship (1981) are great tools for understanding how different voices and cultural contexts interact within and between texts, thereby revealing the dynamic nature of storytelling and interpretation. Thus, this paper aims to investigate how Bakhtin's concepts of heteroglossia and dialogic relationship function in Jake Kasdan's 2017 sequel, focusing on how the film adaptation evolves in response to its contemporary context.

Disney screencerts: A video essay

In this video essay, I establish, discuss, and illustrate different types of Disney screencerts—events where the performance of music on stage is accompanied by the projection of the associated audiovisual on screen. Focusing on the audience experience, I use concepts from intermedial and multimodal studies to illustrate the experiential difference in each of the different forms of Disney screencerts—Film-with-Live-Orchestra Concert; Film-with-Live-Theatre-and-Orchestra Concert; Excerpt/Montage-with-Live-Orchestra Concert; and Shorts-with-Live-Orchestra concert. In the 100th anniversary of Disney, the event that truly celebrated the innovative spirit of Disney was not the one literary titled “Disney 100: The Concert” but the one titled “Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl”, which is a Film-with-Live-Theatre-and-Orchestra concert—a super-hybrid screencert form in which only Disney films have been presented so far.

Climate Communication with Chinese Youth by Chinese Nongovernmental Organizations: A Case Study of Chinese Weather Enthusiasts on Bilibili

Abstract Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have increasingly played pivotal roles in shaping climate agendas and mobilizing individuals to engage in environmental initiatives. However, the nature of NGOs’ online interaction with users, especially in developing countries, remains largely unexplored. This study focused on the dynamics of engagement between a Chinese NGO, Chinese Weather Enthusiasts (CWE), and Chinese youth on the social media platform of Bilibili. The research comprised two main components. First, named entity recognition was employed to analyze weather-related terms in CWE’s posts on Bilibili and dynamic topic modeling was utilized to uncover shifts in thematic focus. Subsequently, descriptive analysis and negative binomial regression were employed to investigate the correlation between weather types and user engagement metrics. The study unveiled two noteworthy findings: first, CWE posts are closely linked to short-term weather, providing timely content that may meet the public’s demand for climate information. Second, the engagement of Chinese youth users is not affected by extreme weather types. Future research should continue to elucidate strategies that NGOs can employ to enhance online engagement among youth users. Significance Statement This study seeks to contribute to the current literature of climate communication by investigating how NGOs engage with Chinese youth on social media, an area that has received scant attention thus far. Focusing on an influential Chinese climate NGO, CWE, and its interactions with Chinese youth on the social media platform of Bilibili, this research sheds lights on strategies to communicate information related to extreme weather to this demographic. Examining factors that influence online user engagement offers both theoretical insights about the mechanisms of climate communication and practical implications for NGOs and policymakers to mobilize youth for environmental initiatives. The findings also underscore the importance of tailoring climate communication to align with the daily experiences of the target audience and public-centric approaches in climate communication strategies.

Study on Cultural Consumption Characteristics of Museum Short Video Platforms under the Threshold of Identifier Economics

Purpose - This study examines museums’ operations on the Shakeology platform, elucidating the characteristics of museums’ cultural consumption in relation to identity, cultural identity, value identity, and the cluster effect of certified museums. The study explores how short video platforms can serve as effective tools for cultural communication and consumption promotion. Design/Methodology/Approach - The study utilizes qualitative research to investigate how museums utilize the Shakeology platform to create a diverse content ecosystem and improve audience engagement. Data is collected through the analysis of museum activities on the platform, including content types, interaction strategies, and audience engagement. It also examines how short video platforms differ from traditional media in terms of granular information processing and community interaction. Findings - Short video platforms are more effective in communication than traditional media due to their granular information processing and community interaction. Museums that focus on Shakeology can enhance consumers’ connection to cultural heritage, optimize market positioning, and improve audience interaction. Key characteristics of cultural consumption on the platform include enhanced cultural identity, value identity, and a significant cluster effect of certified museums, leading to a richer cultural experience for audiences. Research Implications - The study holds significant implications for museums aiming to utilize modern media for audience engagement and market positioning. By understanding cultural consumption dynamics on short video platforms, museums can customize content and interaction strategies to cultivate stronger audience connections. The study suggests that museums should continue to innovate and adapt to new media trends to enhance their cultural communication efforts.

A multi‐objective model for publicly funded festival planning

AbstractThis article proposes a multi‐objective mixed‐integer linear programming model to assist event managers in obtaining and evaluating non‐dominated solutions to the problem of selecting a daily lineup of shows and activities for a festival – be it cultural, sports, ceremonial or any other kind. The model, which is especially adequate for designing festivals with public funding, has five objectives, relating to financial, logistical and how renowned the festival artists or acts are. It includes support for multiple days, multiple stages and different types of shows, all subject to constraints imposed by the intrinsic nature of the festival itself. The output of the model is a set of optimized daily lineups for the activities that constitute the festival, each corresponding to a particular compromise between the five objectives. The approach is demonstrated with a case study for a 5‐day festival, for which non‐dominated solutions are derived, presented and discussed. Results show that the model can provide a good variety of solutions while ensuring the persistence of the more desirable shows. The model is a novel decision support tool to assist in designing festival lineups that provide optimal audience experience, a key factor in attracting spectators, tourists and increasing comeback value.