Abstract
Virtual reality technologies in the field of cultural heritage can play a central role in enhancing visitors’ experience and accessibility of artifacts and artworks. Integrating visual perception with tactile information by means of haptic technology can enhance the immersiveness of interaction between the person and the virtual artifacts, provide a medium for learning by doing, and improve the quality and inclusiveness of visitor’ experience. Though haptic devices can be a great asset for cultural heritage fruition and education, to the best of our knowledge, no research has yet explored the impact of such technologies on the experience of people with visual impairments, in museums and cultural spaces. Therefore, this study aims at bridging this research gap, focusing on force feedback haptic devices with the scope of assessing the ease of learning of this technology by people with visual impairments and its capability to support the conceptualisation of virtual object’s shapes, to ensure authentic and inclusive interactions. In this perspective, a comparative study involving both people with and without visual impairment has been carried out within the Research center of Teaching and Learning, Inclusion, Disability and Educational Technology (TIncTec) of the University of Macerata. Results provide useful insights to deepen the understanding of strengths and limitations of such a technology to support the conceptualization of virtual objects from an inclusive perspective.
Presenters
Silvia CeccacciResearcher, Department of Education, Cultural Heritage and Tourism, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy Tommaso Santilli
PhD Student, Department of Education, Cultural Heritage and Territories, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy Chiara Gentilozzi
University of Macerata Alessandra Marfoglia
Student, PhD, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy Catia Giaconi
Professor, Education, University of Macerata, Italy Simone Aparecida Capellini
University of Macerata
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
2023 Special Focus—Museum Transformations: Pathways to Community Engagement
KEYWORDS
Inclusive Museum, Inclusive Education, Haptic Feedback, Force Feedback, Visual Impairment
