Foggy with a Chance of Vibration: Exploring Light, Sound, and Spatial Perception in Multisensory Experience Design
Abstract
The perception of a space that we feel, hear, and see emerges from the interplay of our senses rather than solely from its physical structure. This study investigates how artificial fog, sound, vibrations, and visuals shape depth perception, emotional engagement, and movement, offering insights into how sensory manipulation can transform spatial experiences. Understanding these interactions may inform the design of immersive environments, influencing how people interpret and navigate spaces both digitally and physically. By analyzing installations such as Karolina Halatek’s fog-based light sculptures in Metz, France, and teamLab’s interactive projection environments in Tokyo, Japan, this research explores how 3D soundscapes, fog density, and low-frequency vibrations impact spatial awareness and user perception. To test these effects, computer simulations in Unreal Engine 5 were conducted to examine how controlled sensory conditions influence perception. Results indicate that artificial fog alters depth perception, making spaces appear, larger, smaller, or stretched depending on density and lighting. Low-frequency vibrations generate tactile sensations from a distance, allowing sound to be felt rather than just heard, influencing interaction and movement. The synchronization of sound and visuals enhances emotional engagement, memory retention, and spatial awareness, reinforcing immersion and user presence. These findings have broad applications in Augmented Reality (AR), educational settings, interactive art, museum exhibitions, therapeutic environments, urban design, Virtual Reality (VR), and more. As these technologies evolve, the ability to fine-tune environmental stimuli will redefine immersive storytelling, interactive media, and spatial perception. Therefore, if we can manipulate perception, we can redefine reality—transforming how we experience art, space, and technology in ways once thought impossible.
Start Time
16-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Time
16-4-2025 11:30 AM
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Category
Science, Technology and Engineering
Student Type
Graduate Student - Masters
Faculty Mentor
Jacy Richardson
Faculty Department
Digital Media
Foggy with a Chance of Vibration: Exploring Light, Sound, and Spatial Perception in Multisensory Experience Design
The perception of a space that we feel, hear, and see emerges from the interplay of our senses rather than solely from its physical structure. This study investigates how artificial fog, sound, vibrations, and visuals shape depth perception, emotional engagement, and movement, offering insights into how sensory manipulation can transform spatial experiences. Understanding these interactions may inform the design of immersive environments, influencing how people interpret and navigate spaces both digitally and physically. By analyzing installations such as Karolina Halatek’s fog-based light sculptures in Metz, France, and teamLab’s interactive projection environments in Tokyo, Japan, this research explores how 3D soundscapes, fog density, and low-frequency vibrations impact spatial awareness and user perception. To test these effects, computer simulations in Unreal Engine 5 were conducted to examine how controlled sensory conditions influence perception. Results indicate that artificial fog alters depth perception, making spaces appear, larger, smaller, or stretched depending on density and lighting. Low-frequency vibrations generate tactile sensations from a distance, allowing sound to be felt rather than just heard, influencing interaction and movement. The synchronization of sound and visuals enhances emotional engagement, memory retention, and spatial awareness, reinforcing immersion and user presence. These findings have broad applications in Augmented Reality (AR), educational settings, interactive art, museum exhibitions, therapeutic environments, urban design, Virtual Reality (VR), and more. As these technologies evolve, the ability to fine-tune environmental stimuli will redefine immersive storytelling, interactive media, and spatial perception. Therefore, if we can manipulate perception, we can redefine reality—transforming how we experience art, space, and technology in ways once thought impossible.