Constructive Play & Simulations
We study how blind people experience scientific simulations, building LEGO sets, solving logic puzzles, and playing turn-based strategy games; understanding how individuals construct mental models and induce a sense of flow, especially for abstract ideas, strategy, or large-scale objects beyond direct sensory reach.
Publications
Media
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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.
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How Multi-Sensory Exhibits Make Dark Matter Tangible
This podcast delves into a pioneering project that transforms how we understand cosmology. Discover how a unique multisensory experience, incorporating taste, touch, smell, sound, and sight, makes abstract concepts like dark matter accessible and engaging for everyone, breaking down traditional barriers in science communication.
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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.
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Dark Matter: A Multi-Sensory Experience
On Oct 31st, 2018, researchers in astrophysics at Imperial College London and human-computer interaction at the University of Sussex created an installation at London's Science Museum. Their goal: to get the public to experience dark matter... with all their sense. Thanks to Dr Roberto Trotta ( @R_Trotta ) for the video!
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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.
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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.