Project Overview:
As part of OCADu Inclusive Design Multisensory Museum Course the goal of the project was to create a multi-sensory video utilizing various techniques to translate The Wisdom of the Universe by Christi Belcourt.
The Challenge:
The painting is an intricate artwork with various species of plants, birds, and butterflies listed as threatened, endangered, or extinct in Ontario. Upon first look, it can cause sensory overload due to the many pieces, elements, colors, and species utilized. As the target audience for this project is partially-sighted and visually impaired individuals the challenge was: how can we map out the video and explain the segments to give an overview of the painting without losing the audience's attention? Furthermore, another challenge for the project was the ongoing COVID pandemic as it prevented opportunities to create physical, tangible, in-person translations of the work.
In this program, Demilade Olaleye, Harkirat Kaur, Maryem Abbas, and Rosa Chu present an inclusive, multisensory translation of Christi Belcourt's Wisdom of the Universe (2014). Her artwork is broken down into its elements and a tangible model is presented to allow the audience to experience the piece through the sense of touch. Auditory sounds and visuals are incorporated to create an immersive and educational experience. Join us on this journey as we engage our senses to explore the painting and collectively honour Mother Earth.
“Art galleries and museums have long emphasized the visual, but we’re offering something different: special multi-sensory art experiences to help you understand your surroundings in new ways!” – Talks Multisensory Moments – AGO.
Design Process:
This project incorporated various elements to translate the artwork including, storytelling, soundscaping, script writing, animation, additional tangible elements, and building background knowledge on the organisms in the painting. As well as, what to consider when designing for visually impaired/low vision individuals.
To view the detailed design process, please view my process journal at the end of this page.
Empathy + Inclusivity
Empathy and inclusivity were the driving force of the final translated artwork. It is estimated over 1.5 million Canadians identify as having some form of sight loss. As such, I always want to consider using the discipline of Inclusive design, as the demographic, we as designers, try to reach have their own unique lived experiences and needs.
Understanding users needs rather then making something aesthetically pleasing or fun is what makes design work.
Results:
The result of the project took in the professional's expertise/advice and incorporated various types of sensory elements to create an overall immersive experience that can cater to all audiences in one way or another, from blind to partially sighted to fully sighted. The final product came together nicely and the feedback received from consultants and individuals with lived experiences was quite positive. The video to this date is one of the most viewed videos on the AGO's official Facebook site, with a high interaction rate. The artist commenting on the work! As I went through working with the painting new species of plants and animals were constantly being discovered. Though challenging to translate, I believe we effectively brought out the key elements, the big idea of honoring Mother Earth and balancing the literal and emotional aspects this painting displayed. Through this project, I was able to learn and build my knowledge on what to consider when designing for a low-vision audience, which I will be using moving forward with all my design projects. I had the opportunity to also take on the role of a project manager through this project ensuring we were all on track and managing our time and responsibilities effectively.
It was important to take the various insights from our Subject Matter Experts and create an inclusive piece that catered to the target demographic. Being able to talk to individuals you are designing for can really provide us with valuable insights and viewpoints that would never have been considered.
View the Process Journal
Take a minute and Emerse into the Final Multi-Sensory Translation of Christi Belcourt The Wisdom of the Universe:
You can also view the Multi-Sensory Translation on the Official AGO Facebook:
