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  According to Crawford (1994), the generalized rule for all forms of interaction is that the computer will have to perform the three steps in the conversational sequence in order to be a good conversational partner. He (1994) mentioned that in order to achieve engaging and interesting interaction, the computer has to perform all three steps well; resulting in good conversation if both parties pull off the steps well.
  
  The three steps that Crawford (1994) spoke of involves listening to the user, thinking about what the user has said and developing an engaging and affecting reaction to his input, later expressing that reaction back to the user. Stern (2001) talked about how the audience-to-artwork communication can take many forms such as mouse clicks, speech, movements, sound, body motion and gesture; while the artwork-to-audience communication can be in any of the forms as well (i.e. text, imagery, sound, speech and the control of machines and robots).
  
  Most interactive work follow the conversational sequence or listen-think-speak cycle, but they tend to focus more on the speaking part and not so much of the listening and thinking parts. Sometimes in artworks, the audience are "forced to conform to the work instead of the work opening itself up to them", which is sometimes intended by the artist (Stern, 2001). But to achieve a more engaged and enriched experience for the viewer, the artist should allow the audience to "say what they think and feel" rather than forcing limited-input interactive artworks upon them (Stern, 2001).

chris crawford's expose on interactivity - fundamentals of interactivity