Itinerant Spherical, Flat and Concave Surfaces: Disseminating Human Echolocation in Public Spaces

Conference: The European Conference on Arts, Design & Education (ECADE2022)
Title: Itinerant Spherical, Flat and Concave Surfaces: Disseminating Human Echolocation in Public Spaces
Stream: Interdisciplinary Art and Design Projects
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Authors:
Gustavo Romeiro, University of Porto, Portugal
Sofia Ponte, Universidade Europeia, Portugal

Abstract:

Human echolocation is an empowerment skill for the unsighted, yet it remains unknown for most western societies. Consequently, it is not spread enough as a standard way for training the mobility and autonomy of the blind. The Itinerant spherical, flat and concave surfaces is an art and design project created to address this complex issue. This paper covers the research methods developed to design and implement this project during the Covid-19 pandemic early waves, in 2020-2021. It is composed of three hybrid objects, temporarily placed in public spaces for inducing human echolocation trials and experiences. The curiosity and consequent experimentation of passersby is used as a strategy for disseminating information and awareness about this ability. Because the ergonomics for human echolocation perception and training is still a field in exploration, a user centred approach derived from Design Thinking methodology was addressed. An artistic approach was also considered to stabilize the physical aspects of the device and to help make its uncanniness in public space acceptable. The project was temporarily placed in the cities of Funchal and Porto, in Portugal. It was during the contact with passersby in each of these cities that the hybrid nature of this art and design project was revealed. It highlighted the great potential of current public art to address political, social and cultural aspects of western societies, bringing simultaneously more awareness and empathy to the challenges faced by unsighted citizens.



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