A Concordia master's student in design and computation arts is investigating how humour can transform digital interactions. Junior Vigneault's research-creation work is motivated by a fascination with the complexities of humour and its role in human interaction.
Junior Vigneault: "I see humour as a powerful tool to disrupt expectations and create moments of joy." | Right: Inner Birdsong, by Junior Vigneault. Video by Paul Dinning.
He argues that his project, "Playing with myself: humour, playfulness and interaction design in digital toys," has the potential to disrupt expectations and change digital interactions.
"Humour and playfulness in digital design create more human-centred interactions, allowing users to engage with technology in a way that feels natural and emotionally resonant," Vigneault explains.
"They help break habitual relationships with digital systems, encouraging curiosity and critical reflection. By disrupting expectations, humour can slow users down and reframe technology beyond efficiency and productivity."
Vigneault adds that he has always been drawn to humour, both in life and in his creative practice.
"As I explored humour theory, I became fascinated by how AI struggles with humour; its failures are often unintentionally funny. This made me want to understand how humour works in digital interactions and how it can be designed intentionally."
Research with broad applications
While much of the research on humour in digital design has focused on user responses, Vigneault's approach delves into the creative process behind crafting humour in digital interactions. He says his work can then shift attention to how humour is designed, rather than just how it is perceived.
"I see humour as a powerful tool to disrupt expectations, encourage reflection and create moments of joy in our interactions with technology."
One of the interactive digital experiences he designed, "Inner Birdsong," invites users to listen to the imagined inner monologues of birds during a digital birdwatching session. Blending video and sound, it reflects his interest in designing playful and subversive interactions.
"My research examines how designers think and work with humour to see if these processes can inform computational models. This could have broad applications in areas like AI-driven interactions, education and even workplace tools, creating more engaging and human-like experiences," he notes.
Though he has not yet published his findings, his work has already been featured in interviews, including on Moteur de recherche on ICI Radio-Canada.
Vigneault's project is supported in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Société et culture (FRQSC).
Learn more about Junior Vigneault's projects and research through his website.
Discover the Department of Design and Computation Arts in Concordia's Faculty of Fine Arts.
