Museums and the Metaverse: Emerging Technologies to Promote Inclusivity and Engagement

Over the past two decades, museums have increasingly sought to build connections with the community and increase inclusivity of visitors. At the same time, emerging technologies, such as extended reality (XR) and virtual museums (VM) are increasingly adopted to engage with different generational expectations but also for the purposes of supporting inclusivity and neurodiverse populations. First such technologies were adopted to augment exhibitions in the physical museum space for edutainment. Since then, XR has expanded from room-size environments (CAVEs) and augmented exhibitions to the creation of entire virtual museums, such as The Museum of Pure Form and The Virtual Museum of Sculpture. Digital twins of museums are increasingly common, along with UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Such virtual experiences can be leveraged to prepare neurodiverse visitors prior to visiting a museum. This chapter will outline how existing approaches to social stories and sensory maps may be combined with XR experiences to support neurodiverse visitors and their families. While onsite, immersive technologies can be used both for engagement and to provide accommodations for greater inclusivity and diversity

Neuroinclusive workplaces and biophilic design: Strategies for promoting occupational health and sustainability in smart cities

This study aims to investigate the impact of biophilic design on occupational health and productivity, with a particular focus on addressing the needs of diverse populations, including the neurodiverse, during the post-pandemic return to work. With an estimated 15 – 20% of the global population considered neurodiverse, it is crucial to understand and accommodate their specific needs, such as those with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum condition, and learning disabilities. These individuals face increased occupational stress, necessitating the development of targeted strategies. The renewed interest in sustainability and employee well-being has led to a resurgence of biophilic design in the workplace. Grounded in the concept that humans possess an inherent inclination to affiliate with nature, the biophilic design integrates natural elements and art into the built environment. This integration has been found to reduce activity in the amygdala, promoting stress recovery, prolonged attention, and increased productivity among employees. To effectively acclimate neurodiverse individuals in the work environment, biophilic design should be complemented using extended reality (XR) technology supported by artificial intelligence. Virtual reality, in particular, has been shown to facilitate individuals’ comfort in new workspaces, aid in self-assessments through biofeedback, and enable the adjustment of surroundings for self-regulation. Furthermore, biophilic design has the potential to promote sustainability in smart cities by integrating natural elements into the built environment. This integration helps reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and enhances energy efficiency. By creating workplaces that prioritize biophilic design principles, organizations can contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable, and productive work environment

Enhancing Workplace Neuro Health and Productivity: The Synergy of Wearable Technology with Biophilic and Oxygenation Strategies

In the contemporary workplace, where a staggering 62% of employees reported experiencing burnout in 2023 according to a Medium article, the integration of wearable technology with biophilic and oxygenation strategies emerges as a vital Neurohemal initiative. This approach is particularly relevant for supporting neurodivergent individuals, as well as those recovering from stroke and long-COVID, in the context of return-to-office mandates. The article underscores the significance of research on increased hydrostatic pressure in circulation, particularly its impact on spinal and spinal cord blood flow during water immersion. This insight lays the groundwork for innovations like non-wet water massage devices, which could significantly aid in neurological recovery, thereby facilitating smoother reintegration into the workplace. Moreover, the fusion of biometrics with medical technology in wearables is explored, with a focus on enhancing interoception and proprioception. This technological synergy is key in activating the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS), inducing a relaxed state conducive to effective digestion and oxygenation, crucial in mitigating workplace stress. The concept of ‘Interoceptive in Water’ is examined for its potential to improve blood flow and overall bodily function. In addition, the article advocates for the introduction of oxygenation bars in office spaces. These bars would offer a dedicated environment for enhanced oxygen intake, vital for cognitive function and stress alleviation, benefitting neurodivergent individuals, stroke survivors, and long-COVID patients. Wearables capable of detecting and correcting low oxygen or circulation issues are highlighted as essential tools for fostering a more inclusive, productive, and healthier workplace, thereby contributing to the overarching goal of NeuroHealth in the professional sphere

Autism in Females: Understanding the Overlooked Diagnoses, Unique Challenges, and Recommendations

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals of both sexes. However, females with ASC frequently remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to a range of factors, including gender bias in the medical profession, societal expectations, and a lack of knowledge about the unique challenges they face. For instance, the gendered subset of the population often struggles with social interaction and communication, relying more on analytical thinking, which can lead to difficulty in generating acceptable responses and behaviors. At the same time, females are more adept at masking their innate behaviors associated with the condition and hyper-focus on intense, immediate friendships. Compared to males, females with may also present with fewer repetitive and ritualistic behaviors and internalize emotions such as anxiety and depression, thus leading to a higher risk of suicide. Diagnosis inequality with males may be due to overshadowing by co-existing conditions, gender bias, and a lack of understanding of female-associated interests. Strategies for supporting females with the condition include providing concrete and visual information, offering incremental steps to structure transitions, understanding their aversion to change, offering guided choice options, and using social stories and factual evidence to help work through fears. Increasing awareness of the unique challenges faced by females with autism is crucial in improving support and understanding for them. Further research and training for clinicians and supportive resource materials for families and the wider community are necessary to reduce the impact of ASC on females and improve their quality of life

Enhancing Proprioception and Regulating Cognitive Load in Neurodiverse Populations through Biometric Monitoring with Wearable Technologies

This paper considers the realm of wearable technologies and their prospective applications for individuals with neurodivergent conditions, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). The study undertakes a multifaceted analysis that encompasses biomarker sensing technologies, AI-driven biofeedback mechanisms, and haptic devices, focusing on their implications for enhancing proprioception and social interaction among neurodivergent populations. While wearables offer a range of opportunities for societal advancement, a discernable gap remains: a scarcity of consumer-oriented applications tailored to the unique physiological and psychological needs of these individuals. Key takeaways underscore the emergent promise of tailored auditory stimuli in workplace dynamics and the efficacy of haptic feedback in sensory substitution. The investigation concludes with an urgent call for multidisciplinary research aimed at the development of specific consumer applications, rigorous empirical validation, and an ethical framework encompassing data privacy and user consent. As the pervasiveness of technology in daily life continues to expand, the article posits that there is an imperative for future research to shift from generalized solutions to individualized applications, thereby ensuring that the spectrum of wearable technology truly accommodates the full scope of human neurodiversity

Museums and the Metaverse: Emerging Technologies to Promote Inclusivity and Engagement

Over the past two decades, museums have increasingly sought to build connections with the community and increase inclusivity of visitors. At the same time, emerging technologies, such as extended reality (XR) and virtual museums (VM) are increasingly adopted to engage with different generational expectations but also for the purposes of supporting inclusivity and neurodiverse populations. First such technologies were adopted to augment exhibitions in the physical museum space for edutainment. Since then, XR has expanded from room-size environments (CAVEs) and augmented exhibitions to the creation of entire virtual museums, such as The Museum of Pure Form and The Virtual Museum of Sculpture. Digital twins of museums are increasingly common, along with UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Such virtual experiences can be leveraged to prepare neurodiverse visitors prior to visiting a museum. This chapter will outline how existing approaches to social stories and sensory maps may be combined with XR experiences to support neurodiverse visitors and their families. While onsite, immersive technologies can be used both for engagement and to provide accommodations for greater inclusivity and diversity

Neurodiversity and Inclusivity in the Workplace: Biopsychosocial Interventions for Promoting Competitive Advantage

Research has demonstrated that diverse teams perform better and are more creative and innovative. As such, many firms in industry have established DEI programs, especially those where forward-thinking design cognition are competitive advantages. These efforts correspond with a global talent and worker shortage and align with the realization that neurodiverse populations are eight times as likely to be unemployed, while most actively desire and seek work opportunities. The technology sector has been the first to consistently identify, build, and promote programs supporting the neurodiverse population, leveraging a largely untapped resource. With an estimated 15-20% of the global population considered to be neurodiverse, greater attention is being paid to the different needs and skills of this growing and diverse. To promote a potential competitive advantage, and address the needs of a neurodiverse workforce, certain firms are adopting biopsychosocial interventions in the workplace, including integration of behavioral education, redesigning hiring, resource training for managers, and environmental adaptations

Inclusive Smart Museums: Engaging Neurodiverse Audiences and Enhancing Cultural Heritage

This book delves into the significant and timely intersection of cultural heritage, neurodiversity, and smart museums, exploring how various immersive techniques can create more inclusive and engaging heritage experiences for neurodiverse audiences. By focusing on these three aspects, the book aims to contribute significantly to the fields of cultural heritage, neuro-inclusivity, and smart museums, offering practical solutions and examples for heritage professionals and researchers

Education and the Art Viewing Experience: The Evolution of Learning in Museums and Corporate Art Collections

By investigating the history of corporate art collections and the evolution of educational frameworks in museums, this case study questions the differences between exhibition formats to illuminate possible areas of improvement. Museums were initially formed to display collections donated by wealthy or royal families and constructed around the ‘Curator’s Gallery’ format. This exhibition type focused on the aesthetic arrangement of objects based on the established art historical canon hierarchy and were accompanied by minimal ‘tombstone’ labels with little, if any, didactic information. Science museums emerged in the middle of the 19th century and were among the first informal learning institutions to consider the importance of education, illustrated by their use of the ‘Visitor’s Gallery’ format which included text panels with additional information. Influenced by the popularity of learning theories emerging in formal education, along with the increasing financial strain placed on art museums, led to the reevaluation of mission statements to include an educational purpose to justify federal aid. Despite the accepted change of exhibition design in most museums to include an educational component, there are no studies conducted on the evolution and importance for the same changes to be made in corporate art exhibitions. The researcher conducted a case study comparing the two different exhibition formats utilizing a corporate art collection’s exhibition in a dedicated art gallery inside one of the company’s history museums. The researcher’s intent was to investigate if and how visitor’s perceptions changed when learning was involved in the art viewing experience. Visitors were asked to participate in an exhibition where the art was accompanied first by basic text labels listing the artist, title, medium, and date of creation. They were then asked to come iii back at a future date to experience the show again, with the additional of extended text panels. Through three post experience surveys and a follow-up interview, the findings which follow showed an overall preference to the second format of the ‘Visitor’s Gallery’ experience, as well as unanimous consensus the second format closer aligned with a company\u27s mission statement of providing a culture of caring, being community based and innovative