The explosion in digital technology has generated a multitude of digital artworks and widespread use of digital technology has led to a critical appreciation of those artworks. These artworks invite the consumer to engage in processes of interaction and creation which shift the role of the consumer from an observer to a Creative User. A Creative User is required to act upon an environment and/or other people, determine the right action, proactively choose a path and make decisions consciously and knowledgeably.

But what transforms an audience into an interactor and creator?
How can the public best be supported in contributing to the content, meaning and communicative purpose of artworks?
How can artworks be improved to offer a better user experience or generate a more profound interaction/creation experience?
What knowledge, tools, materials and guidance do people need to play these roles fully?

The Creative User research was initiated in 2001 by Future Physical to explore these questions. More than 1000 people were involved in the first phase of research including 75 artists / developers who were commissioned to create new interactive works for Future Physical - a major cultural programme placing the body at the centre of digital interaction which took place in East England from 2001 -2004.

The Future Physical focus on physical interactions with digital technologies provided a rich context in which to explore the role of the public / audience as a creative partcipant. The programme was designed as a human adventure for both public and professionals, and commissioned the development of new public installations, performances, exhibitions and online environments linked to four research areas: Wearable Computing / Smart Textiles, Bio-Technology, Eco-Technology, and Responsive Environments.

Future Physical presented 70 events in a variety of different locations and sites engaging over 59,000 people in future visions of the body's interactivity with digital tools.

The Future Physical initiative from London-based research unit shinkansen and Arts Council East was instigated as one part of UK regional strategy to advance the development, profile and public awareness of arts and technology practice.