Joslin McKinney

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Joslin McKinney is a leading scholar whose research sits at the dynamic intersection of performance design, robotics, and human-computer interaction. Her work fundamentally explores how performance knowledge can inform the design of interactive and responsive objects, creating new forms of embodied dialogue between humans and machines. A key contribution is her highly cited paper, "Embodied conversations: performance and the design of a robotic dancing partner" (2009, 25 citations), which pioneered the application of performance theory to choreograph human-robot interaction. This work demonstrates how principles of theatrical presence and movement can transform a robot from a tool into a collaborative partner. McKinney also made significant strides with her development of the robotic prototype *SpiderCrab*, presented in her paper on the emergent object (2007). This project, part of the major EPSRC/AHRC 'Designing for the Twenty-first Century' initiative, showcased how performance design can shape the very emergence of a robot's form and behavior. Through these contributions, McKinney has established a unique and influential voice, bridging the arts and engineering to create more intuitive, expressive, and engaging technological futures.