Graceful interaction design: Measuring emotional response towards movement quality

Graceful interaction design has been conceptualize to enrich human computer engagement. The design elements of the graceful interaction model was adapted from the theory of Laban Movement Analysis where movement quality has been proposed. To test for the validity of using movement quality, prior work pertaining to the use of accurate measures that capture the emotional response towards movement quality must be done. However, there is an ongoing argument on how emotions can be defined, represented and measured with empirically based studies. This study reports on the work on the measurement of emotional response in graceful interaction by using subjective feelings through subjective checklist ratings. An experiment was conducted to engage participants in graceful interactions provided by several IT artifacts that were designed with built-in movement qualities as prescribed by the graceful interaction design. Thirty participants were selected in the experiment given subjective checklist ratings instruments organized in a 5-point Semantic Differential scale to fill in during and after performing the experimental tasks given. An interview was also conducted to counter check the emotional response given. The results obtained showed that there is a similarity in the results obtained from the subjective checklist rating when compared to analysis of the interview conducted. This result gives a good indication that subjective checklist ratings can reflect participant's emotions when engaging to graceful interaction.