My idea behind this experiment came from wanting to create an obstruction linked with the environment that initiates social interaction and contact.
What I wanted to achieve through my experimentation was, a physical movement with a meaning:
- that is directed towards others
- that awaits a response
- that is a unique/ rare interaction
For 15 minutes I stood on the Jubilee Bridge that is connected to the Southbank Centre with my hand open for people to be able to exchange a hand shake with me. I chose the hand shake as it a traditional and cultural action in a situation where you are introducing yourself, but only under certain conditions. I wanted to record people's reaction to this unusual situation and whether I could engage in social contact with the people around me.
Social contact is a pair of social actions with no further consequence - i.e. it is not likely to be repeated. An example would be a failed and not-repeated attempt to start a conversation with a stranger
Findings:
26/87 people who passed by in those 15 minutes shook my hand
- 5/26 people, stayed to have a conversation
Through more experimentation I want to observe:
- What kind of people shake my hand (male, female, tourists, businessmen, students etc)
- What reactions I get in different times throughout the day
- If I change my appearance, how does that affect my results?
I am also looking into other types of social interaction such as silent discos, eye contact and hand gestures.
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