Author: Roberto Trotta
Affiliation: Imperial College London
Country: UK
Co-Author(s): Daniel Hajas
Affiliation: University of Sussex
Country: UK
Eliel Camargo-Molina
Affiliation: Imperial College London
Country: UK
Robert Cobden
Affiliation: University of Sussex
Country: UK
Emanuela Maggioni
Affiliation: University of Sussex
Country: UK
Marianna Obrist
Affiliation: University of Sussex
Country: UK
Title: Communicating Cosmology with Multisensory Metaphorical Experiences
We present a novel approach to communicating in a more accessible and inclusive manner abstract concepts in cosmology and astrophysics. We describe a pilot project aiming at creating an immersive, multisensory metaphorical experience of an otherwise imperceptible physical phenomenon, i.e., dark matter. Human-Computer Interaction experts and physicists co-created a multisensory journey through dark matter by exploiting the latest advances in haptic and scent technology. We present the concept design of a pilot exhibition at the London Science Museum, including the practical setup of the multisensory dark matter experience, the delivery of sensory stimulation and preliminary insights from usersÕ feedback. We discuss how this approach can improve accessibility and inclusivity for visually impaired people.
References:
[1]: R. Trotta, ÒThe Hands-On Universe: Making Sense of the Universe with All Your SensesÓ, CAPj, No. 23, February 2018.
[2]: Obrist, M., Seah, S.A., and Subramanian, S., ÒTalking about tactile experiencesÓ. Proc. of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. ACM, 2013; https://doi.org/10.1145/2470654.2466220
[3]: g-ASTRONOMY: The Taste of the Cosmos for People with Visual Impairment. Online video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GEtpf1ai4o (accessed July 8th 2019)