Sensory Profiles and Technological Deficits: Classification, Relevance, and Gaps

The chapter provides an analysis of the diverse range of sensory experiences and the challenges in addressing them with current technology. Opening with a discussion on how cultural and spiritual beliefs shape sensory perceptions, the chapter uses insights from various cultures, including the Berinmo people. It then delves into various aesthetic disabilities beyond visual perception, such as face blindness, dyschromatopsia, dyscalculia, and synesthesia, exploring their unique impacts on artistic interpretation. The chapter also tackles cross-modal sensory challenges, highlighting conditions like anosmia and agnosia, and their implications for experiencing art. Emphasizing neurodiversity, it examines how neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the spectrum, have distinct sensory preferences and responses to art. Aphantasia's role in artistic experience is discussed, exploring how the absence of mental imagery influences art perception and creation. Finally, the chapter identifies key gaps in current technological applications, discussing issues like ableism in sensory technologies and the need for more inclusive and adaptable tools. It concludes by exploring therapeutic and adaptive applications, including color therapy and sensory adaptations in museums, emphasizing the importance of developing technologies that cater to a broad spectrum of sensory experiences and preferences. This chapter provides crucial insights into the intricate relationship between sensory experiences, neurodiversity, and the role of technology in enhancing artistic engagement.