Extending the Repertoire of Activity Theory in HCI: N. A. Bernstein and the Role of the Body

Activity theory (AT) has gained a widespread acceptance in human–computer interaction (HCI). However, embodiment has not been significantly addressed by this approach. In accounting for embodied interaction, this critical and conceptual review presents the theoretical approach of the Russian physiologist Nikolai Bernstein. Bernstein's approach to activity is very closely connected to existing approaches of AT used in HCI. Bernstein provides a sustained set of concepts for addressing activity as contextualized and purposeful achievement. Further, ecological psychologists have extensively developed Bernstein's approach (complementary to J.J. Gibson's), in terms of dynamical systems theory. Using a concrete example of an adaptive milk bottle for infant use and a hypothetical example of the video game Rockband, the concepts of Bernstein's approach and its applicability to HCI are presented. Addressing Bernstein's research allows for growing the repertoire of AT in HCI, as well as, providing a crucial link between ecological psychology, AT and HCI.