Body as a canvas: an exploration on the role of the body as display of digital information

The human body in HCI is often seen as an actuator for
issuing commands and providing input to digital systems.
We present the concept of the body as a canvas, in which the
body acts as both an actuator and a display for information.
Body as a canvas creates an interaction loop where
interaction with information causes changes in the body,
which in turn changes the display of information. Our
qualitative study using an on-body projection system in a
public exhibition investigates this concept with regards to
body characteristics, types of body input, interactions
between multiple bodies, and comparison to other display
technologies. Findings show that body as a canvas creates
connectedness between the body and information. Finally,
we discuss how body characteristics and appearances can
complement the information, when the body acts as a canvas