On the Development of an Enactive Soundwalking Device

The SEEk (Sonic Environment Exploration Kit) is an enactive soundwalking device that uses environmental data sonification to help people reconnect with their surroundings. Modern technologies often disrupt healthy information exchange between humans and their environments. This article argues that technologically mediated soundwalking can reduce those barriers, grounding the device in 4E cognition, ecological psychoacoustics, and auditory augmentation. It emphasizes the psychological, anthropological, and biological value of mindful connection with the world. After a theoretical overview, the article describes SEEk's hardware and modular software system, then reflects on the current prototype and its potential for future expansion.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract SEEk, which stands for “Sonic Environment Exploration kit,” is an enactive soundwalking device that strives to reconnect users to the world around them through environmental data sonification and physical and sonic exploration. Modern conveniences and technologies have made it increasingly challenging to participate in a healthy state of information exchange and coexistence with one’s environment. This article explores how technologically mediated soundwalking can help break down some of these barriers between humans and their environments in the present day. It situates SEEk within broader discussions of 4E cognition, ecological psychoacoustics, and auditory augmentation, emphasizing the psychological, anthropological, and biological importance of cultivating a deeper and more mindful connection with the world around us. Following a theoretical overview, the article describes SEEk’s hardware configuration and modular software system. It concludes by reflecting on the state of the current SEEk prototype, along with its significant potential for future expansion.