Exploring human movement as a source of inspiration in contemporary art and design through biomechanics
Abstract
This study explores the integration of biomechanical data into the creative process of contemporary art and design, intending to assess how human movement can serve as a source of inspiration for artists and designers. The central hypothesis is that biomechanical insights—such as joint angles, muscle activation, and movement trajectories—can enhance creative outputs by providing a scientific foundation for design decisions, resulting in more innovative, dynamic, and functional outcomes than traditional inspiration methods. To test this hypothesis, 36 participants were divided into two groups: a control group using conventional design approaches and an experimental group using biomechanical data. Key findings from the study indicate that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group across all measured creative outcomes. The experimental group demonstrated higher levels of originality (mean difference = 1.72, p < 0.001), complexity (mean difference = 1.84, p < 0.001), functionality (mean difference = 2.02, p < 0.001), and aesthetic appeal (mean difference = 1.57, p < 0.001). Additionally, the experimental group completed their designs more efficiently, with a notable reduction in the time to complete the creative process. Correlation analysis revealed that movement features such as velocity and muscle activation positively influenced originality and complexity, while joint angles and acceleration were more closely related to functionality.
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