ABSTRACT
The literal definition of interactivity from the Merriam Webster Dictionary is “mutual or reciprocal action or influence,” but that only goes so far. For many, the word “interactive” conjures up visuals of digital surfaces and interfaces – of action and response. For some, it is a back-and-forth power play between creator and participant resulting in the creation of some form of dialog. Interactive storytelling can mean a lot of different things depending on people's background and experiences. Good storytelling guides potential actions and responses from the audience through careful research, planning, and a fair bit of empathy and understanding, but collaboration allows for and adapts to unexpected responses as well. Speaking of respect, taking into account that different people are, in fact, different – especially in their backgrounds, experiences, and abilities – is fundamental to collaboration. Truly, collaborative stories accommodate those differences without needlessly calling attention to them.
