We present three prototypes designed for a hypothetical museum exhibit that elicit historical and experiential qualities of early 16th-century prayer-nuts. As personal religious experiences included a "dependence of spirituality on material objects" during the 16th-century, we believe that digitally-enhanced multisensory interactions can help situate the artifact in its historical context. The 3D printed interactive prayer nuts augmented with audio-visual effects support the visual voyage, experience of spirituality, and scents of power. The tactile, aural, visual, olfactory sensory interactions are mapped meaningfully to incorporate some of the original sensory aspects of the artifact and related practices. Our research provides insight on how multisensory interactions can provide museum visitors with the opportunity to experientially engage in content related to an artifact's history and original use.
TSynlab explores emerging modalities in new media. Our research focuses on tangible interaction and sensing technologies that support creative expression bridging the physical and digital worlds. Applications range across media arts, entertainment and educational domains.
