Sensory engagement and the Haptic is about understanding the relationship between us and our physical world.

Sensory Processing refers to the way in which our bodies notice, respond to and use sensory information. Sensory integration is part of this in which sensory input from our bodies and the environment is put together and sorted out, and then used so that we can make an adaptive or appropriate response in any situation.situation.

Types of sensory input:
- Visual
- Auditory
- Tactile (light touch and deep pressure touch, though these are processed
differently from one another)
- Vestibular (movement)
- Proprioceptive (traction or compression of joints)
- Gustatory (Taste)
- Olfactory (smell)

The characteristics of sensory input that help determine whether we notice and/or respond to it include:
- Frequency (how often does it occur?)
- Durations (how long does it last?)
- Intensity
- Rhythm (associated with predictability...) o Complexity (are several types being presented at once? If so, what are the qualities of those different inputs?)
- Complexity (are several types being presented at once? If so, what are the qualities of those different inputs?
- Novelty (is this familiar or not? And if not how familiar is it?

All of us have preferences in terms of the types and intensity of sensory input that we like, so to some extent any individual may, from time to time, demonstrate behaviors that reflect difficulty processing sensory information.
It is only when this difficulty processing sensory information consistently interferes with participation and/or socialization in daily life activities that there is a need for true intervention

These three videos all relate to sensory engagement which I found quite interesting.
“Body paint” by Mehmet Akten is an interactive installation which allows users to paint on a virtual canvas with their body, interpreting movement, gestures and dance into evolving compositions. It’s purpose is not to create a new interface for creating static paintings, but a way of creating, directing and performing moving images in realtime, with focus on the interaction experience. The painting created at the end is not important, but the sensation one experiences while using it and reacting in realtime to their own creation as it developes. A musical instrument is also played while interaction takes place.
Our body is a vessel for emotional expression. When we talk, we move with our whole body. As we get excited, and more involved and passionate about what we are saying, we get more animated. Body Paint taps into this, our natural instinct to express ourselves with full body movement and dance, and combines it with our subconscious desire to create – even more so, our desire to create something beautiful.

The second video demonstrates a pop-up monitor, which holds a clear Samsung display. The user puts their hands behind the screen, and a Kinect Microsoft's body-tracking camera for Xbox 360 detects the participant's finger movements and gestures across the screen. This enables them to look through a digital filing and document system. It also enables the user to drag objects from one place to another on a 3D grid. There is also a keyboard below the monitor. This will allow participants to return to a 2d interaction.

In society often our bodies and sences are overlooked and taken for granted. The function of the Brain is seen to be more important. Sensory engagement and the Haptic is about understanding the ralationship between us and our physical world. Recently designers have been returning to a more natural sensory based style of design. It is instictive and including. The Haptic is when all the senses are engaged at the same time.