Understanding Fukushima: designing for an embodied interaction with citizen science data

Abstract

This thesis uses the radiation events in Fukushima as a case study for exploring the possible use of phenomenological theory to assess information gathering methods as well as suggesting possible ways of communicating this information. Embodied interaction is used as a theoretical framework for designing an interaction with information gathered from Fukushima but interacted with in a remote time and place. This is realised through an interactive installation that emphasises the use of the body in the act of making meaning from information. As a seperate but complimentary investigation, when information is urgently needed, crowd-sourced, citizen science activities and new media tools are highlighted as invaluable assets in comparison to traditional news media and institutional scientific enquiry. The aim of the thesis is to build a method of approaching information about environmental issues. This method includes recognising information gathering techniques and new media tools and focussing on the body as a vital perceptual tool in the act of information gathering and in the act of creating meaning from representations of information.