Built on the premise that physical proximity is a basic unit of social communication, this study seeks to examine the role of physical interaction in social communication.

The purpose of this study is to examine the implications of physical proximity in social communication. The study seeks to stimulate inquiry on this topic through facilitated experiences where algorithmic logic, system observation of user behavior, and dynamic role assignment are central elements made accessible to participants for contemplation and discussion.

User perception and response to the overlay of information drawn from the fusion of user actions and system rules is also central to this study.

In an attempt to better understand the areas of social interaction that can be isolated and examined, some components of social interaction are listed for consideration. What is the vocabulary of social interaction?

Visible, observed > physical contact > eye contact > physical proximity > body language     - facial expressions     - hand gestures > what we say > how we say it     - tone     - language, dialect > physical appearance     - clothing     - grooming/hygiene > interaction choices     - who/how we engage     - who/how we avoid

Invisible, internal > experience and memory     - previous encounters     - assumptions about others       based on past experience       and prejudice > sense of identity > motivation     - personal interest?     - forced, reluctant interaction?     - chance meeting? > attitude

How does our sense of identity, previous experiences and social status (perceived or real) affect the way we interact with others? Can we see some of these factors at work by increasing the visibility of these issues, by superimposing dynamic and individually responsive representations of these parameters into the interaction?

What is the essence of social interaction and can the individuals and the exchange be considered separately to understand the dynamics of the experience? With this possibility in mind, consider the following generalized components of social interaction.

With this breakdown of interpersonal interaction in mind, consider the framework of interactive installation as a means of facilitating controlled yet unpredictable interactions among participants as well as the interactions between the participants and the system.

How do individuals relate to each other in the context of this staged and fabricated environment? How are interactions between participants affected by the installation setting? Furthermore, how is the nature of interpersonal communication affected by specific system and environmental rules? How is the interpersonal exchange influenced when such private information related to personal identity or individual approach/retreat trends are revealed?