Current digital culture programming and research often overlooks the experience and enjoyment of autistic adults and are made without autist input. When programming is designed with neurodiversity or autism in mind, it predominantly offers a reduced experience, centres pedagogical or behavioural modification goals, and is geared towards children. This research identifies and challenges prevailing neurotypical assumptions made when designing digital for the culture sector and focuses on the autistic adult’s experience. It aims to impact and reposition digital culture programming to centre neurodivergent joy and neuroinclusivity by developing frameworks to do so.

1. Develop a neuroinclusive research project in collaboration with the autistic community.

2. Produce accessible participant preparation materials, including video guides, Easy Read guides, and visual stories.

3. Work iteratively with focus groups of autistic adults throughout the research design, development, pilot, and data gathering phases. 

Study 1: Virtual Reality (VR) testing facilitated by the researcher at the University of Leicester’s Innovation Hub, in collaboration with MBD Limited. 

Study 2: Mixed Reality (MR) testing at the Natural History Museum in London to test the Microsoft HoloLens experience, Visions of Nature. 

Study 3: In-gallery multimedia testing at the Jewry Wall Museum in Leicester to experience their brand new immersive multimedia permanent exhibitions.

5. Gather qualitative and quantitative participant data through accessibly designed feedback gathering methods. Participant choice to provide feedback in-person, through delayed video/phone calls, or written responses.

Figure: ‘Multidimensional Visual Scale Assessing Affect, Anxiety, Pride, and Energy (AAPE)’ (Riccio et. al, 2020). 

6. Perform qualitative and quantitative data analysis to identify key themes and trends. Assess the impact of Interactive Cultural Heritage (ICH) features (Olaz et al., 2022) on autistic adult experiences and enjoyment.