The Role of Sensory Perception in Bridging Communication Gaps Between Art, HCI, and AI

Conceptos Básicos

Sensory perception acts as a universal language that bridges communication gaps between disciplines, particularly in media art, HCI, and AI, by translating abstract concepts into tangible experiences.

Resumen

Bibliographic Information:

Kang, X., Huang, X., Song, M., Guljajeva, V., & Kuchera-Morin, J. (2024). Interdisciplinary Translations: Sensory Perception as a Universal Language. arXiv preprint arXiv:2411.05374v1.

Research Objective:

This paper investigates the role of sensory perception as a universal language for communication across disciplines, particularly in media art, human-computer interaction (HCI), and artificial intelligence (AI). The authors argue that sensory perception facilitates interdisciplinary dialogue by translating abstract concepts into shared experiences.

Methodology:

The paper employs a qualitative analysis of existing literature and examples from various fields, including art history, media art, HCI, communication studies, and translation studies. The authors draw upon Seleskovitch's Interpretive Theory of Translation (ITT) to conceptualize sensory perception as a mediating language between disciplines.

Key Findings:

• Shared sensory experiences can bridge communication gaps between artists, scientists, and engineers, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Sensory feedback systems in interactive art and HCI demonstrate the potential of non-verbal communication to convey meaning and enhance user engagement.
• The development of AI systems increasingly relies on simulating human sensory perception, highlighting its importance in creating intelligent machines.

Main Conclusions:

Sensory perception plays a crucial role in interdisciplinary communication by providing a shared language for understanding abstract concepts. By embracing sensory perception as a unifying principle, artists, scientists, and engineers can collaborate more effectively to create innovative and meaningful experiences.

Significance:

This research highlights the importance of sensory perception in bridging the gap between art, science, and technology. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in developing interactive systems and AI that are intuitive, engaging, and meaningful for human users.

Limitations and Future Research:

The paper primarily focuses on visual and auditory sensory modalities. Future research could explore the role of other senses, such as touch, smell, and taste, in interdisciplinary communication. Additionally, further investigation into the ethical implications of simulating human sensory perception in AI systems is warranted.

Estadísticas

Citas

"artistic expression is “a powerful and uniquely human language that helps us engage with, comprehend and communicate our universe”"
"the interactive experience becomes “a powerful psychological space”"
"I reasoned that if an artist’s images could mean anything at all to people he had never met, it had to reflect some commonality much deeper than individual experience and probably had something to do with the fact that all human beings, regardless of their culture, use essentially the same cognitive system"
"This borrowing of method by one art from another, can only be truly successful when the application of the borrowed methods is not superficial but fundamental. One art must learn first how another uses its methods, so that the methods may afterwards be applied to the borrower’s art from the beginning, and suitably. The artist must not forget that in him lies the power of true application of every method, but that that power must be developed"
"May not machines carry out something which ought to be described as thinking but which is very different from what a man does?"

Ideas clave extraídas de

Interdisciplinary Translations: Sensory Perception as a Universal Language

by Xindi Kang, ... a las arxiv.org 11-11-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2411.05374.pdf

Consultas más profundas

How can the understanding of sensory perception as a universal language be applied to other fields beyond art, HCI, and AI?

Answer: The understanding of sensory perception as a universal language has far-reaching implications and can be applied to a multitude of fields beyond art, HCI, and AI. Here are a few examples:

Education: Sensory-based learning can be revolutionary for students of all ages, particularly those with diverse learning styles. By incorporating tactile experiences, auditory stimulation, and visual aids, educators can create more engaging and accessible learning environments. Imagine classrooms where complex scientific principles are taught through interactive simulations that engage multiple senses, or historical events are brought to life through immersive, sensory-rich experiences.
Healthcare: Sensory perception is crucial in diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation. Imagine therapeutic tools for patients with sensory processing disorders that utilize customized sensory input to improve their daily lives. In rehabilitation, virtual reality environments can be used to help patients regain motor skills or adapt to prosthetics through realistic sensory feedback.
Marketing and Communication: Sensory branding is already a growing field, but a deeper understanding of sensory perception can lead to more sophisticated and effective marketing campaigns. Imagine advertisements that don't just target our eyes and ears, but also incorporate subtle scents, textures, and even tastes to create memorable and impactful brand experiences.
Architecture and Urban Planning: By considering the sensory impact of spaces, architects and urban planners can create environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also promote well-being and social interaction. Imagine cities designed with soundscapes that reduce stress, green spaces that offer a sense of tranquility, and buildings that utilize natural light and ventilation to create healthier and more stimulating environments.
Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy: Sensory perception can play a surprising role in bridging cultural divides and fostering empathy. Shared sensory experiences, such as enjoying a meal together or listening to music, can create common ground and facilitate communication between individuals from different backgrounds.
The key takeaway is that sensory perception is fundamental to the human experience. By understanding how it shapes our interactions with the world, we can unlock new possibilities across a wide range of disciplines, leading to more effective communication, innovative solutions, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.

Could an overemphasis on sensory perception in interactive systems and AI lead to a neglect of other important aspects of human intelligence and experience, such as abstract reasoning or emotional intelligence?

Answer: While harnessing sensory perception in interactive systems and AI offers exciting possibilities, an overemphasis on it does come with the risk of overshadowing other crucial aspects of human intelligence and experience, such as abstract reasoning and emotional intelligence.
Here's why this is a concern:

Reductionist View of Intelligence: Focusing primarily on replicating sensory experiences might lead to a reductionist view of human intelligence. Humans are not simply sensory input-output machines; we possess a complex interplay of cognitive abilities. Abstract thought, critical thinking, and the ability to engage in complex problem-solving that goes beyond immediate sensory information are hallmarks of human intelligence.
Limited Emotional Range: While AI can be trained to recognize and even mimic certain emotional cues based on facial expressions or vocal tones, true emotional intelligence runs far deeper. The nuances of empathy, compassion, understanding complex social dynamics, and responding to emotions in a genuine and meaningful way are still areas where AI struggles. An overemphasis on sensory perception might further limit AI's development in these areas.
Ethical Implications: A world dominated by AI that excels in replicating sensory experiences but lacks depth in abstract reasoning and emotional intelligence could have significant ethical implications. For instance, we might see increasingly sophisticated deepfakes or virtual experiences that are incredibly realistic but lack genuine emotional depth, potentially leading to manipulation or a distorted sense of reality.
To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to:

Strive for Holistic AI Development: Research and development in AI should aim for a more holistic approach, one that values and incorporates advancements in areas like natural language processing, reasoning, and understanding of human emotions and social contexts alongside sensory perception.
Prioritize Ethical Considerations: As we develop AI systems, ethical considerations must be at the forefront. This includes transparency in how AI systems are created, potential biases they might exhibit, and the impact they could have on human relationships and society as a whole.
Remember the Human Element: In our pursuit of technological advancement, it's crucial to remember that technology should serve humanity, not replace it. We must strive to create AI systems that complement and enhance our lives while preserving the qualities that make us uniquely human.

In what ways can artists and designers leverage emerging technologies to create sensory experiences that challenge our perceptions and expand our understanding of the world?

Answer: Artists and designers are uniquely positioned to push the boundaries of sensory experience, and emerging technologies provide them with an ever-expanding palette of tools to achieve this. Here are some compelling avenues for exploration:

Redefining Reality Through XR: Extended Reality (XR), encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), offers profound potential. Imagine immersive installations that transport viewers to invisible ecosystems, allowing them to experience the world from the perspective of a microscopic organism or feel the interconnectedness of a forest ecosystem. AR can overlay digital narratives onto physical spaces, prompting viewers to question their surroundings and uncover hidden layers of meaning.
Sensory Augmentation and Substitution: Artists can explore the concept of synesthesia by translating data from one sensory modality to another, creating experiences that challenge our conventional understanding of the senses. Imagine a sculpture that allows you to "hear" colors or a musical composition that generates visual patterns based on taste. This exploration can lead to a deeper understanding of how our brains process sensory information and how we construct our reality.
Biofeedback and Neuro-Responsive Art: By integrating biofeedback mechanisms, artists can create works that respond to a viewer's physiological state, blurring the lines between the artwork and the observer. Imagine an installation that changes color or intensity based on a viewer's heart rate or brainwave patterns, creating a feedback loop that reflects their emotional and cognitive responses to the artwork.
AI as a Creative Collaborator: Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human creativity, artists can embrace it as a collaborator. Imagine using generative adversarial networks (GANs) to create entirely new forms of art or interactive installations that evolve and adapt based on audience interaction, leading to truly unique and unpredictable experiences.
Tactile and Olfactory Interfaces: While visual and auditory experiences dominate much of our digital interactions, artists can explore the often-neglected realms of touch and smell. Imagine haptic interfaces that allow viewers to feel the texture of a distant planet or olfactory displays that evoke the scent of extinct flowers, creating a more visceral and multisensory engagement with the world.
By embracing these emerging technologies, artists and designers can craft powerful sensory experiences that challenge our preconceived notions, expand our understanding of the world, and foster a deeper connection with ourselves and the environment around us.