Call for Papers
13 October 2010: Devices that Alter Perception (DAP 2010)
Sensors, actuators, implants, wearable computers, and neural interfaces can do more than simply observe our bodies: these devices can also alter and manipulate our perceptions. This workshop will promote the design and critique of systems whose explicit purpose is to alter human percepts. Participants will be asked to present abstracts, images, videos and demonstrations that focus on devices that shape perceptual phenomena. The goals of the workshop are to: (1) document an emerging field of device design; (2) facilitate the development of these devices by sharing designs; (3) better understand the process of perception and how it informs the design of devices; and (4) debate the aesthetics, perceptual change, social and ethical issues as well as functional transformation the presented works envision for the future.
BACKGROUND
Systems that perform sensory substitution as well as techniques like galvanic vestibular stimulation (which interact with human balance and gait) demonstrate actual devices that act upon human percepts. Projects such as Body Mnemonics, which makes use of proprioception, the FeelSpace belt which offers a variety of magnetic perception, Haptic Radar which augments perception of space, and Low-fi Skin Vision which illustrates sensory substitution all provide stronger evidence of a growing genre of on-human perceptual devices.
Philosophically, we are keenly interested in accounts of perception and its relationship to tools and devices. Noe’s account detailed in Action in Perception, we find deeply influential. His development of J.J. Gibson’s view of perceptual systems allows us to think theoretically about how the percepts make use of devices ready-at-hand. Clark anticipates this view in Natural Born Cyborgs and with theories concerning human-machine symbiosis. We are further inspired by Stelarc’s performances illustrating the relentless hybridization of human and technology.
The augmented reality research community is keenly aware of the importance of perceptual biases such as those discussed by Drascic and Milgram. Instead of viewing these as a human factors problem, we will advocate using such biases and perceptual illusions to create new devices that more tightly integrate with our perceptual processes.
LOCATION
Devices that Alter Perception will be held on October 13th, 2010 at COEX, Seoul, Korea. It is being organized in conjunction with the IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (ISMAR 2010).