Somability: Explorations with digital media, movement and space within adult disability services
- Submitting institution
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Cardiff Metropolitan University / Prifysgol Metropolitan Caerdydd
- Unit of assessment
- 32 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
- Output identifier
- AD052
- Type
- E - Conference contribution
- DOI
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- Title of conference / published proceedings
- AMPS Proceedings Series
- First page
- 64
- Volume
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- Issue
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- ISSN
- 2398-9467
- Open access status
- Compliant
- Month of publication
- January
- Year of publication
- 2018
- URL
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http://architecturemps.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/AMPS-Proceedings-11-Health-The-Design-Planning-and-Politics-of-How-and-Where-We-Live.pdf
- Supplementary information
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- Request cross-referral to
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- Output has been delayed by COVID-19
- No
- COVID-19 affected output statement
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- Forensic science
- No
- Criminology
- No
- Interdisciplinary
- No
- Number of additional authors
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- Research group(s)
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- Proposed double-weighted
- No
- Reserve for an output with double weighting
- No
- Additional information
- Research process
This paper describes an exploratory digital interaction project, Somability, developed at a day centre for adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Using camera and projection technologies to graphically draw attention to the moving body, the project targeted awareness of self and environment, which attuned to the day centre’s objective of supporting service users toward an independent and fulfilled life.
The key research question asked, ‘how could low cost gesture technologies offer adults with profound disabilities opportunities to discover creative self-efficacy within care environments?’ The participatory approach employed iterative design models whereby stakeholders influence project ideation, development and implementation. The centrality of users in the creation of Somability, afforded particular challenges given the profound impact of disability on physical interaction, learning and communication. This audience are typically excluded from creative innovation, thus the Somability project afforded a significantly creative focus on bodily interaction as a celebration of participation which can thereby model ideas for augmenting creative opportunities.
Research insights
The research described within the paper aligns with Shusterman’s philosophy of Somaesthetics, which takes the view that the body is never separate from the mind (2009). This position is also favoured by Dourish in his theories of human computer action. Working directly within learning disability services, we sought to explore digital movement as a means to augment the relationship between the body and the physical, social and temporal space. The consequence of this approach to technology design is that every individual is empowered to express their unique relationship within these contexts.
Dissemination
2013 Funding awarded by the Rayne Foundation and Rhondda Cynon Taf LEA: SOMABILITY (£25,000). This research was disseminated at conferences in Melbourne and Oxford and won Highly Recommended at the 2015 Accolade Awards, Care Council for Wales, Better Outcomes Through Working Together.
- Author contribution statement
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- Non-English
- No
- English abstract
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