Formal criteria for the design of perceptually animate intelligent kinetic structures

Intelligent kinetic structures are computational physical objects able to modify their form either proactively or by reacting to human behaviour and presence. Their primary goal is to enhance or extend the functional capacities of physical spaces anticipating human needs. Such structures, however, demonstrate qualities, like real-time interaction and self-initiated motion, which are usually attributed to living beings. Research has shown that intelligent artefacts demonstrating these attributes are psychologically placed in-between the line that separates the living from the non-living and that currently people tend to perceive such objects as intimate partners for emotional and social relationships. Therefore, an exploration into the potential of kinetic intelligent structures to be perceived as animate entities is important because such perceptions can enhance the quality of their interaction with the user. In a previous paper, I identified a number of design criteria towards this end exploring the quality of their physical motion. Here, I am extending this line of thought by exploring the role of the form.