Social Sensory Surfaces

Tangible Interaction, Children Playing

Ann Arbor, Fall 2015

PI: Asst Prof. Sean Ahlquist, Dr. David Chesney, Assoc. Prof. Sile O'Modhrain

OVERVIEW

This research looks to develop new material technologies as tactile interfaces designed to confront critical challenges of learning and social engagement for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This interdisciplinary research brings together faculty, students and researchers from Architecture, Computer Science, School of Music, School of Information and Civil Engineering. The project connects expertise and technology in textile structures and CNC knitting, programming of gestural and tactile input devices, and design of haptic and visual interfaces for enhanced musical expression. The textiles are tailored for gradations of touch and pressure sensitive input from large sweeping gestures to fine touch, calibrated to prompt a wide variety of responses.