King's College London
Strand Campus, Strand, London WC2R 2LS
UK
This event is free and open to all but booking is required.
An interdisciplinary event led by:
Anna Bentkowska-Kafel, Margaret Cox and David Prytherch
It may not be immediately obvious what museum objects, such as sculpture, may have in common with drilling teeth; or how eighteenth-century poetry may help with describing experience of touch, virtually simulated through the use of computers; or why an artist and haptic computer-interface specialist is helping with research into dementia. This interdisciplinary event brings together experts in and users of machine haptics and explores the potential of 3D imaging and haptic technologies in research, teaching and learning across a variety of disciplines. The panel will debate how we can reciprocally stimulate new ideas and approaches to historical research, medical sciences, the creative arts and contemporary museum education. The session will include brief presentations, demonstrations and general discussion. Those with no previous experience of computer haptics will have the opportunity to experience this technology first hand, and develop critical appreciation of perceptual processes involved.
Simulating touch in a virtual environment is not straightforward. It requires, among other things, a good understanding of the human touch which varies from one individual to another and how to represent the consequences of human tactile actions. Can this perceptual, emotional and cultural experience be satisfactorily replicated virtually? What human and technological considerations are the most challenging?
David Prytherch PhD, FGE, is Senior Research Fellow in Haptics and Computer Interface Design for Crafts in the User-lab, Birmingham City University, Birmingham Institute of Art and Design. He has 30 years professional experience as a freelance glass engraver/sculptor and is a Fellow of the Guild of Glass Engravers. His research interests include haptic (tacit) learning and teaching, the role of haptics in skill development, particularly in the arts, haptic implications in activity satisfaction and motivation, and issues surrounding tool use and material embodiment with regard to computer interface systems. A particular interest lies in the development of inclusive interface systems that facilitate transparent access to creative processes for people with physical disabilities.