The Artistic Potential of Tactile Vision Interfaces: A First Look

Interfaces that subvert, substitute, or augment the relationship between acting and sensing make interesting tools for experimentation in artistic research. Amongst them, tactile vision interfaces, which enable people to experience to "see with their skin", have particular appeal. However, surprisingly few such interfaces are used by artists. In the present work we take a first look at how the artistic potential of tactile vision interfaces could be unlocked. On the basis of related artistic work, we argue that an accessible, generalizable and learnable interface is needed to enable artists to explore the possibilities of tactile vision. Subsequently, we present ongoing research that revolves around the development of such a tactile vision interface. A case study is presented that informs the development of a new prototype of this interface that overcomes two key limitations in its purpose to unlock the artistic potential of tactile vision.