Join us on Thursday 24th September for Design Informatics Research Seminar Series Launch, featuring a welcome from Institute for Design Informatics directors John Vines and Frauke Zeller, and to welcome our first speaker Roel Heremans, who uses neurotechnology, data visualisation and game systems to explore how interactive systems can create moments of introspection
Event Details
Roel Heremans, Transdigital Artist and Entrepreneur
Talk title: Introspection, Neurotechnology and Interactive Systems
Talk host: Anna Talley
Date: Thurs 24 Sep, 2026
Time: 15:30-17:00 (this first talk will feature a welcome from Institute Directors)
Location: Inspace, 1 Crichton St, EH8 9AB
Roel Heremans’ practice explores how interactive systems can create moments of introspection. In this talk, he traces the development of his work from sound-based compositions toward installations using neurotechnology, data visualisation and game systems. Through projects including The NeuroRight Arcades, Resonance of Renewal and Server in Space, he will look at how different technologies can shape personal experiences and ways of reflecting.These works ask visitors to listen, make choices, interpret data or become part of the system themselves. In The NeuroRight Arcades, this leads to questions around neurodata, mental privacy and neurorights.Across his works, introspection remains a recurring method: technology is used to redirect attention toward the participant and create space for reflection.
Bio
Roel Heremans (1990, lives and works between Brussels and Stockholm) is an artist and keynote speaker working with sound, composed introspection and neurotechnology, often through interactive systems shaped by video game culture.
He develops works in which technology functions as a tool for introspection rather than distraction. Recent projects such as The NeuroRight Arcades and Server in Space explore questions of mental privacy, digital identity and the future of human rights.
He creates commissioned sound-based artworks for organisations and institutions, translating complex societal systems into personal, embodied experiences. Alongside his artistic practice, Heremans is an active keynote speaker and host of television, radio, and conference programs.
His work has been presented internationally at Ars Electronica (AT), Sónar Barcelona (ES), Art Dubai (AE), Espacio Fundación Telefónica Madrid (ES), K11 Art Foundation / ArtReview (CN), Science Gallery Monterrey (MX), M HKA Antwerp (BE) and FIBER Festival Amsterdam (NL)
Running Order
15:30 – Welcome from Frauke Zeller and John Vines
16.00 – Introduction by Anna Talley and Talk by Roel Heremans
16.40 – Q&A
17.00 – End
In-person: Inspace, 1 Crichton St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9AB
Please note limited seats are available at Inspace for in-person audiences, so please book tickets in advance.
For inquiries about accessibility, please contact the DI team at designinformatics@ed.ac.uk or visit the Access webpage for more information about the venue: https://inspace.ed.ac.uk/venue-access/. If you have any enquiries about Inspace programming and the venue, please contact us at designinformatics@ed.ac.uk.
Data Protection Statement
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Opt out – If you do not wish to share your information, or would like to modify your consent to collection and processing of personal information, please email us at: designinformatics@ed.ac.uk
About Design Informatics
The Institute for Design Informatics is a joint institute between Edinburgh College of Art and the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh. Our mission is to bring design and data together to create a world that is socially just, where people live well, have agency and autonomy, and are able to adapt and transition how they live to ensure the planet flourishes. We seek to have a transformational impact on society by creating alternatives to dominant models of technology design and development, and to shape ethical and responsible data futures through applied research and practice.