Emergent Harmonics
Monday 14th July 2025. 09:00-16:30. The Watershed, 1 Canon Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TX.
Event Overview
Advancing science and technology that elevates human dignity. Courageous. Cooperative. Conscientious.
This one-day event, hosted by Dr. Kyle Keane, Senior Lecturer in Assistive Technologies at the University of Bristol, brings together artists, experts and practitioners at the forefront of exploring the senses, perception and cognition to advance technology that elevates human dignity.
The day will feature talks, interactive demonstrations and the chance to engage directly with world-renowned experts in echolocation, the human mind and assistive technology.
Rather than treating disability as just a barrier to overcome, this gathering considers the full spectrum of human sensory experience as a foundation for innovative and collaborative design.
Event Schedule
09:00 – 09:30 | Registration, Refreshments, and Hands-on Technology Demonstrations
Guests are invited to explore interactive demonstrations and student-led prototypes before formal programming begins. Refreshments will be served.
09:30 – 10:00 | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Dr. Kyle Keane (University of Bristol) An introduction to the participants and the schedule for the day.
10:00 – 10:30 | Self Determination
Daniel Kish (World Access for the Blind) Exploring echolocation as a pathway to autonomy, reframing perception as a trainable, self-directed skill.
10:30 – 11:00 | Aesthetics of the Mind
David Johnson (Royal College of Art) Examining the phenomenon of hyperphantasia (abundant visual mental imagery) through a blind art practice.
11:00 – 11:30 | Sonic Boundary Objects
Dr. Florian Grond (Concordia University, Montreal) Challenging dominant narratives of perception and reframing access as a collaborative and reciprocal practice.
11:30 – 12:00 | Featured Student Projects
Student researchers present research projects. Featuring; Kailey Epstein, Abena Kyereme-Tuah, Dixant Pant, Juan Pablo Ruiz Partida (JP), Dev Raju, Tanish Raorane, Alex Thompson.
12:00 – 13:00 | Buffet Lunch & Hands on Technology Demonstrations
13:00 – 14:30 | Blind Navigation Panel – Daniel Kish, Juan Ruiz, Derrick Twene and Michelle Young.
A moderated discussion featuring blind mobility practitioners, researchers, and innovators. This session invites reflection on the perceptual, cultural, and technical dimensions of echolocation.
14:30 – 16:00 | Networking & Technology Demonstrations
An open session to revisit exhibits, engage in deeper conversations with presenters, panelists, and explore future collaboration opportunities.
16:00 – 16:30 | Closing Remarks & Call to Action
Facilitated by Dr. Kyle Keane Final reflections and next steps. Participants are invited to contribute to future projects, research proposals, and community-building efforts.
Event Registration