Basic Information
A sensory kit is a collection of items that may help calm overstimulating situations. For example, headphones can be used to reduce loud noises. We have listed common sensory items below.
A sensory kit is important because it promotes relaxation for visitors when the sensory inputs interfere with attention and concentration or cause them to become anxious and overwhelmed.
Sensory Kits should be available for visitors free of charge. Option that visitors check out the sensory kits at the front desk of museums is common. We also suggest a strategy to keep sensory kits in the exhibit space for a visitor’s self-checkout because some visitors feel they are forced to self-disclose and uncomfortable or stigmatized when checking out the kits at the reception desk.
How To Make A Sensory Kit
Template
- Suggested items
- Headphones to reduce noises.
- Sunglasses to reduce bright/flashing lights.
- Fidget
- Visual timer
- Calming cards
- Not suggested items
- Weighted vests/blankets due to cleaning difficulties.
Tips
- For museums, operational labor is an important perspective. For examples, some museums choose items that are easy to clean so that the museum staff can clean them instead of using an outside cleaning service.
- Having extra items is helpful in anticipation of breakage.
- Be aware that visitors often bring their own sensory items.
Future Work
- We are looking to design items that will enhance the visitor’s museum experience. Many of the sensory items are often not related to museum content. We think that museums can improve the experiences of sensory kit users by including items that are relevant to the mission and focus of these sites. Such items include something that promote tactile (touch), auditory (sound), and olfactory (smell) modes of exploration to increase engagement in museums, and fidgets will be customized via 3-D printer to incorporate the museum content.