A new LoGaCulture study is reshaping how visitors interact with heritage sites, blending digital innovation with sensory experiences to foster deeper connections with nature and culture. The research — published as a pictorial in the Proceedings of the Nineteenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction (TEI ’25) titled Natureculture Probes: Opening up dialogues in natural heritage(s) landscapes — introduces a novel toolkit designed to enhance visitor engagement through participatory methods. Published by first-authors Anna My Bertmark and Mathilde Gouin, both PhD students, this study was coordinated by LoGaCulture Principal Investigator Valentina Nisi.
A Fresh Perspective on Heritage Sites
Heritage sites are more than just historical landmarks; they are complex intersections of nature, culture, and human experience. Recognizing this, researchers have developed Natureculture Probes — a set of interactive tools that invite visitors to engage with heritage in new and meaningful ways. The probes consist of postcards and sensory maps, which encourage visitors to document their reflections, emotions, and sensory experiences as they explore heritage locations.
Rooted in feminist post-humanist perspectives, these tools challenge the traditional separation between nature and culture, instead presenting them as deeply intertwined. This perspective aligns with recent trends in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), which seek to design technology that enhances human experiences with the natural world rather than overshadowing them.
From Research to Real-World Application
The development of Natureculture Probes followed an iterative research-through-design process, involving field visits and collaborations with site stewards. Tested at two UNESCO heritage sites — the Madeira Island and its Levadas (in Portugal), as well as the Avebury Stone Circle and Landscape (in the UK), both case-studies within the LoGaCulture project — the tools successfully captured a wide range of visitor experiences, providing valuable data on how people perceive and interact with these spaces.
The findings suggest that by engaging visitors in active reflection, these tools can enrich both individual experiences and broader heritage management strategies. However, the research also uncovered tensions between heritage preservation, public engagement, and the role of technology in natural spaces. Striking a balance between these factors is crucial to ensuring that heritage sites remain both protected and accessible.
Towards More Inclusive and Sustainable Heritage Engagement
One of the key takeaways from the study is the importance of inclusivity in heritage design. The researchers advocate for co-designed, adaptive tools that cater to diverse visitors while respecting the unique ecological and cultural aspects of each site. By considering seasonal variations, community concerns, and different modes of visitor engagement, heritage managers can create more empathetic and sustainable experiences.
One of the key takeaways from the study is the importance of inclusivity in heritage design. The researchers advocate for co-designed, adaptive tools that cater to diverse visitors while respecting the unique ecological and cultural aspects of each site. By considering seasonal variations, community concerns, and different modes of visitor engagement, heritage managers can create more empathetic and sustainable experiences.
For those passionate about preserving and experiencing cultural and natural heritage, Natureculture Probes provide a compelling glimpse into the future of heritage interpretation — one that is as dynamic and interconnected as the landscapes themselves.