Exhibition as a safe space for sensory stimulation. The case of Weird Sensation Feels Good: The World of ASMR exhibition.

This study was motivated by an acknowledgement that more academic attention needs to be paid to the role of museums in providing safe environments for sensory stimulation. In recognition of the increased expectations from visitors for engaging experiences, this research aimed to identify and analyse the impact of the exhibition space's environmental elements on the visitors' experiences. A mixed-methods approach, including a literature review, qualitative research and analysis, was used to examine participants' experiences at the Weird Sensation Feels Good: The World of ASMR exhibition at the Design Museum in London.

The results of this study demonstrate that creating a safe environment for sensory stimulation is highly individualised, with levels of safety varying depending on the participant. The findings highlight the need for museums to prioritise the psychological safety of their spaces and consider alternative approaches to traditional museum rules and regulations. The study's limitations, including the sample size and subjective data analysis, indicate the need for further research in this area.