Embodiment and Place Experience in Heritage Technology Design

This chapter explores issues of embodiment and place as important aspects of human interaction at heritage sites and of the design of technology to support and augment it. It outlines how a parallel interest both in human-centered computing and in heritage studies on aspects of physical experience and place experience by participants has recently emerged, and shows how these concerns have been addressed in examples of technology design for heritage sites that provide visitors with embodied and emplaced interaction experiences. Finally, it provides insights from two research case studies, both focusing on open air heritage: open air sites are less studied than enclosed museums, but they are important settings in which to understand embodied and emplaced experience of heritage and of technology, because of their immersive nature. In conclusion, Ciolfi reflects on important issues in considering place and embodiment as key components of the human experience of heritage technologies that can help other technology designers and museum and heritage professionals. Keywords: design; embodiment; emplaced interaction; heritage technology; human-centered computing; open air heritage; place; tangible interaction

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