Play and Narration as Patterns of Meaning Construction: Theoretical Foundation and Empirical Evaluation of the User Experience of Interactive Films

摘要

The central scope of the research project is a theoretical qualification (and empirical evaluation) of play and narration as different patterns of meaning construction. Based on cognitive film theory and theories of play an opposing specification of playful and narrative perception patterns is developed. Playful and narrative meaning construction are understood as interdependent constructs whose interferences/ interactions are to be analyzed. The theoretical concept is empirically surveyed by comparing the user experiences of a linear fictional film with those of two interactive versions of the same film. The initiating hypothesis is that interactivity enforces playful perception patterns and diminishes the relevance of narrative patterns for the users' experience.