ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces Tactual Explorations as an exhibition concept and analyses the performance of its first research-based inclusive public event which took place in Huddersfield between 29 September and 8 October 2006. The event included workshops, talks and a tactile exhibition focusing on one museum object. At the Tactual Explorations exhibition, Haptics enabled artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds to come together to explore one famous museum object. Haptic technologies and the physical objects of the exhibition almost existed to improve each other, as a whole augmented reality solution. By investigating the effects of a haptic display surrounded by physical art works, the first event of Tactual Explorations attempted to offer a new method of interpretation for museum objects. The research outcomes are expected to serve as a foundation for a new interface, and its initial outcome will be the production of an interactive-haptic museum display that could be opened to the public.
