Mulsemedia DIY: A Survey of Devices and a Tutorial for Building Your Own Mulsemedia Environment

Abstract

Multisensory experiences have been increasingly applied in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). In recent years, it is commonplace to notice the development of haptic, olfactory, and even gustatory displays to create more immersive experiences. Companies are proposing new additions to the multisensory world and are unveiling new products that promise to offer amazing experiences exploiting mulsemedia—multiple sensorial media—where users can perceive odors, tastes, and the sensation of wind blowing against their face. Whilst researchers, practitioners and users alike are faced with a wide range of such new devices, relatively little work has been undertaken to summarize efforts and initiatives in this area. The current article addresses this shortcoming in two ways: first, by presenting a survey of devices targeting senses beyond that of sight and hearing and, second, by describing an approach to guide newcomers and experienced practitioners alike to build their own mulsemedia environment, both in a desktop setting and in an immersive 360° environment.