The tactile dimension: a method for physicalizing touch behavior - College of Arts, Media and Design (CAMD)

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Art and Design professors Dietmar Offenhuber and Laura Perovich published, “The tactile dimension: a method for physicalizing touch behaviors”, a paper which investigated how individuals interact with 2D and 3D objects. Before embarking on this research, they conducted background research with Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, New England Aquarium, and Khm Vienna to learn how these institutions create exhibits for blind patrons.

In their research, they had participants interact with objects made of different materials. Using fluorescent powder, which is naked to the invisible eye but appears under UV light, the researchers were able to track how individuals interacted with these objects. Offenhuber and Perovich hypothesized that this research would benefit sighted individuals as well as those with visual impairments.

They went on to present their work at the 2023 CHI conference, where it received an honorary mention award.

By

Dietmar Offenhuber and Laura Perovich

Team

Victoria Crabb

Jack Vogelsang

Sara Hartleban

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