At SXSW 2025,Science Fiction Archives the panel "Aesthetic Access for VR: Centering Disabled Artistry" showcased Territory, a groundbreaking virtual reality experience that proved that accessibility isn’t just an add-on — it’s an art form.
Created by Kinetic Light and Double Eye Studios, Territoryis the first fully "aesthetically accessible" VR experience. Instead of retrofitting an existing VR program with accessibility features like captions and audio descriptions, the team built them into the creative process from the start.
"Access is no longer an accommodation that retroactively makes an experience accessible to disabled audiences," said Kinetic Light's Laurel Lawson during the panel. "Instead, access is the providence of art itself."
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Territorytells its story through aerial dance, haptic feedback, and spatialized sound. Viewers take on the role of a "witness," feeling the impact of barbed wire both physically and metaphorically. The experience uses custom haptic motifs, allowing vibrations to convey movement and emotion — a game-changer for blind and low-vision users.
Even captions are reimagined. Instead of static text, Territory’scaptions move dynamically, following characters and poetically interpreting music and sound effects. "Most of the caption systems that we tested couldn't reach the level of detail [we wanted], so we had to construct something from scratch," said Kiira Benz, Double Eye's executive creative director.
Accessibility in VR is still evolving, but Territorysets a new standard — where access isn’t just about inclusion but innovation. By making accessibility an artistic choice, Kinetic Light and Double Eye Studios challenge creators to rethink how VR can be truly immersive for all.
Lawson emphasized that "access is not backfilling" and should be integrated from the beginning because designing with accessibility in mind deepens artistic practice.
Topics Social Good SXSW Virtual Reality
Wordle today: The answer and hints for March 2, 2025
America's hot dad Bruce Springsteen signed a fifth grader's absence note
The Unicorn Café is the stuff of a child's imagination
Bye, bye, Rosetta: The best moments from the spacecraft's historic mission
Harrison Ford isn't a fan of the Trump administration's climate agenda
Young Dodgers fan does 50 push
You can now use the Samsung Galaxy Note7 on planes in India
Bye, bye, Rosetta: The best moments from the spacecraft's historic mission
EV sales up 30 percent this year despite Tesla woes
Uber to make it easier for drivers to own a car in India
How an Australian VR gaming studio scored a gig with Boeing to train astronauts
7 can't
'Miranda Sings' YouTuber Colleen Ballinger announces divorce in raw video
Quicksilver's bonkers 'X
Best robot vacuum deal: Save $400 on the roborock Q5 Pro+
When will Apple unveil the new MacBook Pro?
Oculus updates Gear VR app after severe battery drain issues
How to hide the Instagram filters you hate
Wordle today: The answer and hints for February 22, 2025
Stop what you're doing and look at these 23 adorable giant panda cubs
Farmer stumbles across a brand new 'bus5 unanswered Nintendo Switch questions you should be askingDespite what this hat says, don't grab women 'by the brain' or otherwiseTom Brady won't eat a strawberry, but he really, really loves this organic candyYou can buy an album with a bonus gift of a band member's ashesLittle Mix pulls epic prank on radio host and can someone get that girl an acting jobNYT Connections Sports Edition hints and answers for June 13: Tips to solve Connections #262The coolest transformations of Nintendo's beautiful Switch in GIFsWelcome to New York, Taylor Swift exhibit. It's been waiting for you.Razer's Blade Pro might be the sleekest VRAmerican Horror Story Roanoke twist revealed in episode 6PlayStation 4 goes competitive with new Tournament feature from ESLThis app wants to be the SoundCloud of podcastingRazer's Blade Pro might be the sleekest VRJosh Norman will mime drinking beer to prove his point about the NFL6 key 'Guardians of the Galaxy 2' teaser moments you missedThe internet is enamored with George H.W. Bush's 1993 letter to Bill ClintonThis 1 SimpsonsHistory's most spectacular Mars mission failsYour next pint of craft beer could come from an energy Best Fire TV Stick and Xbox controller bundle deal: Save 45% Best MagSafe charger deal: Get the 25W MagSafe charger for just $29 at Amazon. Best monitor deal: Save $150 on Samsung ViewFinity S5 Best gaming laptop deal: Save over $100 on Logitech G915 TKL Scotland vs. Portugal 2024 livestream: Watch UEFA Nations League for free Amazon reveals Kindle Colorsoft: Pre When the Spotify Wrapped 2024 tracking period ends NASA's got new moon spacesuits. They must resist 23andMe data breach settlement could give up to $10K to victims NYT mini crossword answers for October 17 Today's Hurdle hints and answers for October 16 NYT Strands hints, answers for October 17 'Super Mario Party Jamboree' is mean in all the best ways Best space heater deal: Save up to 36% on Dyson, Vornado, Honeywell models, and more Best Amazon deal: Prime members save 50% on a refurbished Amazon Smart Thermostat Elon Musk didn't invent fake tech demos Wordle today: The answer and hints for October 14 Siri Dahl hosts 'Corn Telethon' to raise awareness against Project 2025 NYT Connections Sports Edition hints and answers for October 17: Tips to solve Connections #24. Best Dyson deal: Save $150 on the Dyson V15 at Amazon
0.6512s , 10110.8359375 kb
Copyright © 2025 Powered by 【Science Fiction Archives】,Co-creation Information Network