Enriching Museum Experience: 3D Models Bring Science to Life for the Visually Impaired

Much of what humans observe and want to describe and understand is invisible to the naked eye. Microscopy reveals details to the observer that have been unimaginable to previous generations. The use of magnified imagery and videos is commonplace in museums and teaching – but how can this experience be conveyed to those who cannot see?

Have you ever wondered what it's like to experience a museum as a visually impaired person? The blind and visually impaired community is often overlooked due to the reliance on visual elements in their exhibition design, causing them to feel unwelcome. By incorporating accessibility measures and the blind perspective, museums can reach wider and more diverse audiences, leading to fewer negative experiences. Utilizing the perspectives of people with disabilities can reveal limitations in the visitor experience that impact everyone. Developing content for those with sight loss is one of the most challenging tasks for curators.

The NHM has an extensive suite of microscopes and micro-CT scanners and has developed methodologies to scan objects and create 3D models at almost any scale. These can be used to create 3D printed outreach materials which can easily be modified or adapted for outreach.
For microscopical specimens, Burton worked from automated macro routines (developed by Ball) which allowed the scanning electron microscope to capture a series of images which were combined in software to generate a 3D mesh that can be 3D printed.

The project team has been actively engaged in outreach activities with schools and communities, introducing the visually impaired to the wonders of nature and science.

Additionally, the team have made use of Museum in a Box to enhance the experience. This project creates portable, interactive exhibits using the 3D models containing an embedded RFID chip and a small box containing a programmable chip-reader equipped with a speaker. Placing the model on the box triggers the playback of an audio file which provides information about the model. These kits were used with the NHM's partner school to generate feedback and will eventually be available for loan to other schools.

In addition to using the 3D models for various activities in or outside the museum, the NHM also conducted some research to optimize the production and use of these models.
Part of the research centered on new technological approaches to 3D image capture and the creation of new artefacts. The evaluation phase of the interdisciplinary project involved comparing different mechanisms for collecting 3D data, exploring the role of different factors in the production of 3D models, and conducting interviews and workshops with adults and children to identify design requirements for visually impaired people to improve outreach efforts.

The team aimed to test how 3D models should mimic the exact structure they represent, the size and resolution of raised features, and the role of color and contrast for people with partial sight, among other factors, to aid in constructing complete images from replica parts.

A workshop was held with postgraduate students, lecturers, and education and outreach staff from NHM and University of the Arts in Camberwell, discussing how to deliver outreach to visually impaired people. The team then delivered a workshop at Linden Lodge School for the blind centered around the microscopic and tactile material properties of clay. During the workshop, the team demonstrated the Museum in a Box and left the boxes and models with the students so that they could gather more feedback from them. This feedback has now been incorporated into the latest models and audio files.

I addition, Museum in a Box is used with audio files to demonstrate an NHM project called Nature Overheard which helps people to gain an insight into the sounds of the natural world and invites them to question what a healthy natural environment sounds like. Participants can also submit short recordings of their surroundings to a project that will use AI to identify natural sounds and to help understand how road noise affects insects.