At the 2024 Academic Mindtrek Conference, LoGaCulture researchers presented a novel study exploring how digital technology — particularly locative games (LGs) — can transform our engagement with cultural and natural heritage sites. Their paper, Posthumanist Care and Ecologies of Empathy: Investigating Design Potentials for Nature:Culture HCI, examines how interactive experiences might foster a deeper sense of connection, care, and conservation for unique landscapes like Madeira’s Levada walks.
A New Perspective on Nature and Technology
In an era where digital tools are increasingly shaping human interactions with nature, this research takes a fresh perspective on how we experience and care for our environment. The study focuses on the UNESCO-protected Levada trails in Madeira, an extensive network of irrigation channels that double as hiking paths. These sites, embodying the intersection of natural beauty and cultural heritage, provide an ideal case study for exploring how LGs can promote a more sustainable, empathetic relationship with nature.
Unlike traditional mobile applications that primarily serve tourist needs, LGs have the potential to immerse visitors in the hidden stories and ecological nuances of a site. These games operate across three key dimensions — temporal, spatial, and social — allowing players to engage with their surroundings in a way that is both interactive and meaningful.
The Role of Digital Games in Heritage Conservation
The research team conducted an on-site study using narrative self-reports and cultural probes, such as sensory maps and visitor postcards, to capture the motivations and experiences of hikers along the Levadas. Their findings suggest that interactive technologies can enhance visitors’ appreciation of heritage sites by revealing overlooked aspects of their environment. However, the researchers stress the importance of designing experiences that do not distract from the embodied presence of nature but instead enrich it.
This balance between engagement and immersion is crucial. As previous studies have shown, technology can either deepen our connection to the environment or risk replacing direct experiences with digital mediation. By integrating a feminist ethics of care and a posthumanist lens, the study advocates for technologies that promote respectful and sustainable interactions rather than exploitation.
Beyond Tourism: A Call for Responsible Design
While tourism plays a vital role in Madeira’s economy, accounting for roughly 25-30% of the regional GDP, the increasing number of visitors poses challenges for conservation. The authors highlight the need for thoughtful design approaches that support both ecological preservation and visitor engagement. They argue that LGs could serve as tools for education and conservation, helping users develop a more profound appreciation for the natural world while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of multispecies interactions — fostering empathy not just for human heritage but for the biodiversity that coexists within these landscapes. By leveraging digital storytelling and augmented reality, LGs could cultivate a sense of stewardship, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all life forms within heritage sites.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Locative Games in Conservation
The findings from this study suggest that the careful integration of technology in heritage sites can lead to a more ethical and enriching visitor experience. The researchers propose that future LGs should encourage exploration and learning without compromising the sanctity of the natural environment.
Additionally, they advocate for expanding these digital experiences beyond physical sites, reaching broader audiences through museum exhibits, educational programs, and digital media. By doing so, the lessons and stories of places like the Levadas can extend beyond their geographic boundaries, fostering global awareness and conservation efforts.
In conclusion, this LoGaCulture study presents an optimistic vision for the future of digital interventions in natural heritage settings. By embracing posthumanist care and ecological empathy, technology can play a transformative role in shaping how we experience, understand, and protect the world’s most treasured landscapes.
As we navigate the balance between innovation and conservation, research like this offers a crucial framework for designing responsible and immersive ways to engage with nature.