I can feel it moving: Science Communicators Talking About the Potential of Mid-Air Haptics

Authors: D. Hajas; D. Ablart; O. Schneider; M. Obrist

Published: Frontiers in Computer Science, 2:534974 (2020)

DOI · Publisher’s page · PDF · Accessible HTML

Abstract

We explored the potential of haptics for improving science communication, and recognized that mid-air haptic interaction supports public engagement with science in three relevant themes. While science instruction often focuses on the cognitive domain of acquiring new knowledge, in science communication the primary goal is to produce personal responses, such as awareness, enjoyment, or interest in science. Science communicators seek novel ways of communicating with the public, often using new technologies to produce personal responses. Thus, we explored how mid-air haptics technology could play a role in communicating scientific concepts. We prototyped six mid-air haptic probes for three thematic areas: particle physics, quantum mechanics, cell biology; and conducted three qualitative focus group sessions with domain expert science communicators. Participants highlighted values of the dynamic features of mid-air haptics, its ability to produce shared experiences, and its flexibility in communicating scientific concepts through metaphors and stories. We discuss how mid-air haptics can complement existing approaches of science communication, for example multimedia experiences or live exhibits by helping to create enjoyment or interest, generalized to any fields of science.

Media

  • 📝 Touching the Invisible

    What if you could feel the world around you—even phenomena too small, too fast, or too distant to ever see? That’s what we set out to explore with mid-air haptics, a technology that generates tactile sensations in mid-air using ultrasound.

  • 🎧 Mid-air haptics for science communication

    Discover the groundbreaking potential of mid-air haptics in transforming science communication. This episode delves into how this innovative touch technology can make complex scientific concepts tangible and engaging, fostering enjoyment and interest among the public. You'll learn about its unique ability to create dynamic sensations, facilitate shared experiences, and offer flexible storytelling for diverse audiences.

    Transcript

  • 🎬 I can feel it moving: Science CommunicatorsTalking About the Potential of Mid-Air Haptics

    This video explores how mid-air haptic technology can enhance science communication by creating flexible, engaging, and shared experiences. Through six prototype haptic probes across particle physics, quantum mechanics, and cell biology, workshops with expert science communicators revealed its potential to spark awareness, enjoyment, and interest. The findings suggest that mid-air haptics can complement existing tools like 3D printing and VR, offering a unique way to connect audiences with scientific concepts.

  • 🎬 Seminar Presentation: Sonification World Chat (SWC) WOrkshop Series

    In this video, Daniel Hajas gives an overview of his PhD research portfolio at the fourth workshop of the Sonification WOrld Chat workshop series. At the time of this presentation, Daniel is researching tangible user interfaces and actuators. His research is targeting the use of tactile experiences for purposes of provoking personal responses, which are known to be relevant in science communication, such as interest or enjoyment.