How sighted people experience the sense of volume? A phenomenal study

This study aims to provide a phenomenological description of the sense of volume in sighted people. Especially developed by non-sighted people, the sense of volume is an ability to perceive solids and voids by analysing sound reflection. Our recent works have brought it closer to the human echolocation's ability, but also to a form of spatial hearing based on the analysis of variations in the ambient sound field. In many studies, blindfolded participants were able to detect a surface positioned in front of them. However, there are no studies reporting on the experience of the sense of volume in sighted people under conditions of ecological perception. Consequently, we carried out commented walks, combined with a micro-phenomenological interview method in an urban environment. By cross-referencing participants' perceptions (wall detection at one metre, typologies' discrimination of) with feelings they share (acoustic feelings combined with synesthetic tactile feelings), we demonstrated the ability of sighted people to rapidly unveil a functional sense of volume. Several researchers have hypothesized that sighted people may use a form of automated passive echolocation. In the light of our results, we wonder whether the sense of volume might be a non-conscious factor in an urban atmosphere.