Juliet's phase three

Juliet's phase three
Manifesto - sound and touch

It is in the essence of water which I will look in to for phase three. Water being a multi sensory stimuli: the bubbles, the crashing, sweeping, rhythm tic, motion waves; the vision of water, and the colours which it brings to mind and/or to emotion, the amplified sounds which exist when submerged, the taste, and the touch.

Exploring children psychology for my preliminary research I have explored teaching methods using multi-sensory products and/or environments, such as the coloured ball pits, voice recognition puzzles, interactive play sets and other environments which purely rely on sensory experience as a point of learning.

As mentioned above i will delve into the sensory experience attached with water. Having an attachment to water since a young age i have been fortunate to experienced the sensory love water brings as well as the positive and sometimes negative emotions also attached. Many children are afraid of water at an older age if they had not been accustomed to water at a younger age; or perhaps had an particularly negative experience which was unable to mend in their mind. Therefore my main objective for this assignment is to produce an aid to children’s awareness of water using a multi-sensory experience as a teaching and developmental method to further assist sensory appreciation of water.

whether i will produce a game, a book, an environment for my final stages of development are still unclear; but for my sound understanding of water and its multi-sensory behaviour I will research the deeper meanings behind water, looking into music, artwork, mythology, dreams, sea life, as well as conducting experiments to further extend my knowledge. When the product/environment is further refined I will incorporate the following backup development…

backup
sketches/ illustrations,
audio recordings,
video recordings,
cad 3d modelling, and
animated backup to further support my findings.
experimenting with photography, and film

current ideas:
shower/ baths
Massager using water.
Multi-sensory environment designed to stimulate and entertain the senses of individuals
Animated children’s books,
Games,
Swimming breathing device,
a sensory pool experience,
Underwater music/sounds,
Bubble machine,
Innovative sensory snorkel.
Interactive head sets-eg infinity
Virtual games- underwater
Optical illusions
Mazes
Electromagnetic impulses
Geometry of human body-
Kinaesthetic
Synchronise swimming
Home theatre- acoustic speakers vibration underwater- movement frequency
Sensory deprivation- floatation tank
head phones that incorporate water suction acoustics

Investigation- Snoezelen Multisensory Room

Snoezelen is a multi-sensory environment designed to stimulate and entertain the senses of individuals with developmental disabilities. It was first developed at the Hartenberg Institute, a special care facility in the Netherlands, during the late eighties. Snoezelen is derived from the Dutch words “snuffeln” (to sniff, to snuffle) and “doezelen” (to doze, to snooze). It was developed in the Netherlands in the seventies by institutions caring for severely disabled people. Behind Snoezelen is a multi functional concept: In a purposely designed room (mostly a white room) the use of light and sound elements, scents and music initiate sensual sensations. These have both relaxing and activating effects on the different perception areas. The specific design directs and arranges the stimuli; it creates interest, brings back memories and guides relationships. Snoezelen induces wellbeing, in a calm atmosphere fear will be taken away, people feel secure. Snoezelen is therapy as well as promotion and is used for all stages of development (from toddlers to old people).

The Snoezelen concept comes from the recognition that EVERYONE has a right to quality leisure and relaxation. Children especially need time for play, relaxation, and enjoyment in a pleasurable stimulating environment. The goal of Snoezelen is to provide an inclusive and developmentally appropriate environment for those who have sensory and learning disabilities.

A Snoezelen room is a wonderful magical place that users and their companions can explore, absorb, and control what happens within their environment. Companions are adults who gently facilitate the Snoezelen experience. Snoezelen helps to provide a full range of sensory stimulation and enjoyable experiences in an atmosphere of trust and relaxation. In a safe comfortable environment the primary senses are entertained and stimulated through self - selected sensations of wonderful combinations of soft music, enchanting lights, gentle vibrations, tactile sensations and enticing aromas. The enjoyment of the room is independent of the individual cognitive or physical abilities. It is accessible leisure for all users.

Research has shown that Snoezelen:

Enables students to develop and/or expand communication skills
Improves student motivation
Improves student responsiveness
Decreases student learned helplessness
Increases frequency of eye contact
Reduces in self-injurious behaviour