The Embodied Data Lab develops interactive data-driven bodily experiences through science, design, and engineering. The lab was founded by the PNRR iNEST project within the Bando Young Researchers call of the Spoke 6 on Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano.
Visual narratives on data reveal our interconnectedness with the environment, as illustrated by the increasing use of scientific data visualisations for public engagement. Still, data about complex issues is difficult to relate to, empathise with, or act upon. Narratives can create awareness and trigger reflections; however, data storytelling alone has a limited impact on increasing people’s exploration of a topic.
Interdisciplinary approaches between computer science, design, and management science can help make sense of data not only through visualisations but also through multi-sensorial interactions that enable embodied, affective, and immersive experiences. We question: “How can data be used to create meaningful embodied experiences that develop sensitivities towards nature and cultural heritage?”
Echoed Nature, an interactive exhibition about biodiversity loss and new encounters in South Tyrol showcases how the lab creates and engages in interdisciplinary collaborations that foster deeper connections and sensitivities towards nature and cultural heritage.
The public opening will take place on November 4th at 18:30 at the Naturmuseum Südtirol (Via dei Bottai, 1, Bolzano). The installation will be on display from November 5, 2025, to January 9, 2026.
Related publications
Menéndez-Blanco M, Pretto N, Grillini G, Nicastro G, Condorelli F, Mischer K, Traxler T. “Assessing Meaning in Embodied Interactive Installations.” In Proceedings of the 16th Biannual Conference of the Italian SIGCHI Chapter (in press).
Grillini G, Menéndez-Blanco M. Embodied Data Lab: Creating Interactive Experiences for Environmental and Cultural Awareness in Tourism, 2025, SIM Conference (Società Italiana di Marketing) Marketing-Innovation Nexus – Past Insights for Future Challenges, 10-12 September, Naples
unibz team
Principal Investigator: Dr. María Menéndez-Blanco (Human-centered Intelligent Systems, Faculty of Engineering)
Co Principal Investigator: Dr. Giulia Grillini (CC Mountecos)
Project Team: Dr. Giuseppe Nicastro, Dr. Niccolò Pretto, Dr. Francesca Condorelli, Stefania Denise Escobar, Dr. Chiara Massacesi, Dr. Eliana Saracino, Dr. Andrea Facchetti
iNEST Spoke 6 referents: Prof. Serena Volo, Prof. Alessandro Luigini, Prof. Roberto Gigliotti
Funded by: iNEST project (Interconnected North-East Innovation Ecosystem) funded by the European Union Next-GenerationEU, Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR) Missione 4 Componente 2, Investimento 1.5 D.D. 1058 23/06/2022, ECS 00000043, Spoke6, Bando Young Researcher, CUP I43C22000250006.