MEDIATE is a six-sided module about five metres across, which acts as a multi-sensory interactive environment for autistic children.

The module comprises a movement-sensing environment and touch-sensitive panels that react to the behaviour of the kid.

Infra-red cameras monitor his/her movement and display representations of his or her figure on two screens, which respond to touch by displaying coloured patterns radiating out from the hand. Other walls have sections in wood, metal, bark and fur, which respond to touch by amplifying any of the scratching or squeaking noises involved in the touching process. The movement across the module’s floor prompts different sounds from the module speakers.

When the software recognises exploratory-type behaviour, it starts to add to the complexity of the environment.

These kids usually show disengagement from their environment by exhibiting repetitive behaviour. When they are fully involved, this repetitive behaviour disappears, hence the importance of being able to recognise more exploratory reactions.

Via Innovations report.