Designing an Inclusive Activity Mediated By Technology and Performative Arts

This study presents the design and evaluation of "Through Myself," an inclusive educational activity combining interactive technologies and performing arts. Drawing on interviews with people with visual impairments and arts practitioners, the project develops and tests an experience based on movement, voice, sound and tactile interaction. Participants' feedback informs a design framework for creative, accessible activities intended for educational and community contexts.

The project "Through Myself" aims to create an inclusive space in which everyone-whatever level of vision she or he has-can experience creativity through digital technologies and performative arts. To evaluate the potential effectiveness of the idea, research was conducted on existing similar activities. Several interviews were held with people with visual impairments, operators of an association for persons with vision loss, musicians, and dancers. Based on the results of the first phase, an artistic performance was designed. Participants’ feedback has validated the project's intent and suggested useful insights for designing an interactive installation for inclusive educational activities. These activities can be proposed in schools or centres dedicated to inclusion as a tool for building awareness about creativity and visual impairments. Furthermore, the project could be implemented by designing an interactive installation or environment based on the data collected.