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This talk develops theÌýconcept of kinematics in order to analyse digital interfaces and systems. DigitalÌýkinematics focuses on how digital systems are formed of pairedÌýelements that workÌýto enable and constrain movement, which in turn alters the kind of sensationsÌýuser’s experience. Drawing upon data from an ESRC funded project on gambling style systemsÌýin digitalÌýgames, we argue that a digital kinematic approach provides an alternative wayÌýof theorising the relationship between digital interface and analog body, whichÌýhas formed a core site of concern in digital media theory.

Rather than anÌýencounter between quantitative digital data and an analog human body,Ìýkinematics provides aÌýway of thinking digital systems and bodies as entitiesÌýwhose capacities to act and respond are shaped by how they can move. Here,Ìýmovement, in both digital systemsÌýand human bodies, is understood as mechanismsÌýof displacement and alignment, which are generative of sensation. DemonstratingÌýthe kinds of movement at play inÌýdigital interfaces, we suggest that differentÌýlogics of closure can be identified in these systems, each of which work to shapeÌýthe kinds of sensations generated andÌýactions produced. In doing so, a digitalÌýkinematic approach enables analysis of digital systems that can understand howÌýthey shape, without determining, theÌýexperiences and responses of users.

James Ash is a social scientist working at the intersections of media, cultural studies and human geography. James' research interests revolve around digital geographies and the cultures, economies and politics of smart technology and digital interfaces.

James Ash is author of:

• (Bloomsbury 2017)
• (Bloomsbury 2015)
• ÌýÌý(co-editor)