On the Development of an Enactive Soundwalking Device

Summary

A device called SEEk (Sonic Environment Exploration kit) uses sound to help people reconnect with their surroundings. It sonifies environmental data and encourages physical and sonic exploration. The article situates SEEk within discussions of 4E cognition, ecological psychoacoustics, and auditory augmentation, emphasizing the psychological, anthropological, and biological importance of a deeper connection with the world. It describes SEEk's hardware and modular software system, and reflects on the current prototype's potential for future expansion.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract SEEk, which stands for “Sonic Environment Exploration kit,” is an enactive soundwalking device that strives to reconnect users to the world around them through environmental data sonification and physical and sonic exploration. Modern conveniences and technologies have made it increasingly challenging to participate in a healthy state of information exchange and coexistence with one’s environment. This article explores how technologically mediated soundwalking can help break down some of these barriers between humans and their environments in the present day. It situates SEEk within broader discussions of 4E cognition, ecological psychoacoustics, and auditory augmentation, emphasizing the psychological, anthropological, and biological importance of cultivating a deeper and more mindful connection with the world around us. Following a theoretical overview, the article describes SEEk’s hardware configuration and modular software system. It concludes by reflecting on the state of the current SEEk prototype, along with its significant potential for future expansion.

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