Performance by Design: Computer Artists Speak

Performance by Design captures in-depth conversations with pioneering computer artists and researchers who shaped the field of digital art and human-computer interaction. The interviews span multiple decades and trace the evolution of computer-based art, design, and performance through firsthand accounts. Bill Buxton draws on his background as both a researcher and practitioner to guide discussions with figures like Myron Krueger, Alan Kay, and others who bridged technology and creative expression. The subjects share their technical innovations, artistic philosophies, and experiences developing groundbreaking works and systems. Through transcribed dialogues and commentary, the book documents key developments in interactive art, computer music, digital animation, and interface design. Historical context and technical details are balanced with personal reflections from the artists. The collected interviews reveal tensions between artistic vision and technological constraints while exploring fundamental questions about human creativity and expression in digital media. The book stands as both historical documentation and meditation on the relationship between tools, techniques, and artistic innovation.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Bill Buxton's overall work: Readers consistently highlight Buxton's practical, experience-based approach to design and HCI in "Sketching User Experiences" and his other works. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complex design concepts using real-world examples - Integration of historical context with modern applications - Detailed sketching techniques and methodologies - Balance of theoretical frameworks with hands-on exercises What readers disliked: - Book layout and organization can feel disjointed - Some examples and technologies referenced are dated - Technical sections can be dense for beginners - Price point of physical books considered high Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.3/5 (150+ ratings) One reader noted: "Buxton provides concrete methods for incorporating sketching into the design process that I use daily." Another mentioned: "The historical perspectives help understand how we got here, but some case studies feel stuck in 2007." Multiple reviewers cite the book's influence on their professional practice, though some suggest supplementing with newer resources for current tools and methods.

Digital Design Theory by Ellen Lupton A collection of essays and insights from pioneering digital designers reveals their creative processes and technical approaches to interactive design.

Computers as Theatre by Brenda Laurel The book draws parallels between theatrical performance and human-computer interaction, exploring interface design through the lens of dramatic theory.

Interface Culture by Steven Johnson An examination of how digital interfaces shape culture and society through the perspectives of designers, artists, and technologists.

Digital Art by Christiane Paul A comprehensive overview of computer-based art practices traces the evolution of digital art from its origins to contemporary works.

The Art of Interactive Design by Chris Crawford The text delves into the principles of designing meaningful interactions between humans and computers through case studies and technical frameworks.

🔷 Bill Buxton was a professional musician before becoming a computer scientist, and he often draws parallels between musical performance and human-computer interaction. 🔷 The book features interviews with pioneering digital artists from the 1960s and 1970s who helped establish computer art as a legitimate artistic medium. 🔷 Buxton spent 15 years as Chief Scientist at Alias|Wavefront, where he helped develop software tools used in major films like "Jurassic Park" and "Toy Story." 🔷 The book explores the concept of "performance" in both artistic and technological contexts, examining how interactive design can create meaningful experiences similar to live theater or music. 🔷 Many of the artists interviewed in the book were initially trained in traditional fine arts and saw computers as a way to expand artistic possibilities rather than replace conventional methods.