Abstract
As part of the Visual Literacy Research Programme at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana, the 2024 Kaverljag International Summer School (KISS) focused on marine biology with a unique aim: visualizing marine organisms for the visually impaired. Illustrated materials in marine biology for this group are rare, so this project seeks to expand accessible resources. Prior to the summer school, an interdisciplinary student group (biology, visual communication, and illustration) conducted preliminary research. During the eight-day KISS (21–28 July 2024), 24 participants from five countries engaged in field sketching, scientific illustration, and creating 3D models, alongside writing recommendations for tactile illustrations. These were iterated in many different graphic techniques and later adapted for 3D printing. Lectures from scientists, artists, and tiflopedagogues, as well as excursions to institutions like the Aquarium of the Science Centre of the University of Primorska, and Marine Biological Station of the National Institute of Biology provided theoretical foundations. The results were exhibited at various locations for testing by blind and visually impaired participants, with support from institutions like the Slovenian Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired. The project aims to make tactile illustrations more widely available through 3D print kits for educators and tiflopedagogues, empowering design students in social design. Additionally, recommendations for scientific illustrations tailored to the visually impaired are further developed and published.
Presenters
Petra Cerne ovenHead of Chair of Theoretical Studies, University of Ljubljana, Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Slovenia Marija Nabernik
Assistant Professor, University of Ljubljana, Academy of Fine Arts and Design
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Visual Literacy, Scientific Illustration, Blindness, Tactile Illustrations, Empathy, Inclusiveness
