{"id":114351,"date":"2026-02-17T16:04:59","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:04:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beyondconference.org\/?page_id=114351"},"modified":"2026-02-17T16:04:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:04:59","slug":"naman-merchant","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/beyondconference.org\/b25\/innovators\/naman-merchant\/","title":{"rendered":"Naman Merchant"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Emerging Innovators<\/h3><\/div><\/div> \n\n
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Biography<\/h3>

Naman Merchant is a creative technologist and lecturer at Abertay University whose work explores the convergence of real-time simulation, interactive media and high-performance computing. His practice spans game development, immersive visualisation and collaborative digital art, integrating distributed systems, agent-based modelling and playful interaction to create dynamic and thought-provoking experiences.<\/p>\n

His projects have been featured in both artistic and academic contexts, including Rhizoma, You Are Being Followed and Dislectek. Naman\u2019s work combines game technology with bespoke electronic devices showcased in exhibitions such as Chiasmic Play, a haptically enhanced theatre performance, and Rhizoma, a multisensory installation at the Dundee Botanical Gardens.<\/p>\n

Through his interdisciplinary approach, he explores how meaningful multisensory experiences can enhance storytelling through haptics, lighting, sound and immersive environments, enriching audience engagement and deepening emotional connection.<\/p><\/div>

Naman Merchant<\/h1>

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A recent project of mine, Chiasmic Play\u2014a collaboration with Scottish Youth Theatre\u2014aimed to create a haptically enhanced theatre performance connecting actors and audiences through full-body sensory experience. We used four Teslasuits, two for actors and two for audience members, but found limitations in accessibility, comfort and scalability.<\/p>\n

To address these challenges, I developed a custom device using 3D printing, ESP32s, gyroscopes and bespoke motors to drive environmental haptics responsive to narrative, live music and performer movement. These interactions were captured using Teslasuits and converted into reactive feedback for the audience. The work premiered publicly in June and was well received; the resulting feedback is currently being analysed for publication in JDMI.<\/p>\n

My current research focuses on expanding the scope of haptic technology and exploring multisensory interaction in large-scale performances. Working with the CoSTAR National Lab, I\u2019m developing methods for collecting live audience signals in music-based shows, transforming them into real-time creative input for performers.<\/p>\n

Across all my projects, I\u2019m driven by collaboration\u2014working with artists, technologists and performers to create environments where audiences feel physically and emotionally present. I believe that multisensory storytelling, supported by emerging tools, has the potential to make performance art more accessible, inclusive and immersive.<\/p>\n\t\t

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Dr Naman Merchant is a creative technologist and lecturer at Abertay University whose work merges real-time simulation, interactive media and high-performance computing. His projects, including Chiasmic Play, Rhizoma, You Are Being Followed and Dislectek, redefine accessibility and immersion in performance and digital storytelling. By blending haptic devices, AI and game-engine tools, Naman pioneers new forms of sensory engagement that deepen audience connection and expand the boundaries of creative technology.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t

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Gregor White<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t
Abertay Uniiversity<\/h5>\n\t\t\t<\/a> \n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t
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\nAudio Futures<\/a>Experimental Media<\/a>Gaming<\/a>Interdisciplinary<\/a>Storytelling<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>

View all innovators<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

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Gallery<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
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