Ongoing Projects
EXPLORA: Perception of materials, objects and spaces through active EXPLORAtion, HORIZON-MSCA-2024-DN, 2026-2030.
Cultural modulation in the perception of natural material-exploration sounds represented through sound symbolism: We will investigate how both vocal (sound-symbolic words) and non-vocal (naturally occurring material sounds) auditory cues can enhance material perception during active, multisensory exploration. To achieve this, we will identify fundamental material sounds both from nature and language that are essential for material recognition during active haptic exploration. We will use immersive technologies to understand cultural universals and differences in material perception by tracking how people explore and adapt to their multisensory environment.
Apply for a PhD position funded by the EXPLORA Network! E-mail Dicle for more info. Earliest start date Feb 1, 2026.
The Augmentative Role of Auditory and Visual Signals in Haptic Material Perception, TÜBİTAK 1001 Grant (225K071),
Technological developments in surface haptics have introduced electrovibration for tactile feedback on touchscreens. While not yet ubiquitous in consumer electronics, these sensory displays are increasingly used in laboratory settings, offering novel avenues for exploring the interplay of multisensory signals in surface haptics. This project aims to investigate roughness perception using a TANVAS Touch screen, which facilitates tactile stimulation via electrovibration. Furthermore, we will examine the facilitative effects of visual and auditory cues on tactile roughness perception through a series of multisensory experiments.
Apply for MSc/PhD positions funded by TÜBİTAK! E-mail Dicle for more info. Earliest start date Feb 1, 2026.
Visual Haptic Material Perception through Sound Symbolism, TÜBİTAK 1001 Grant (122K914), 2023-2026.
Sound-symbolism in relation to objects has been researched often as the effect of sound frequency on perceived shapes. People associate higher frequency sounds with angular shapes and lower frequency sounds with round shapes, known as the Bouba/Kiki effect. Onomatopoeic words mimic the sound of materials that they describe. Turkish language has a rich lexicon of onomatopoeic words that are frequently used in daily conversation (e.g., şap şap -splash, tıkır tıkır -rattling). Our goal is to test whether similar associations exist for perceiving materials through different sensory channels. The project aims to reveal unique sound-material associations in Turkish onomatopoeic words and test whether the sound symbolism effect go beyond shapes to surface material qualities. We also aim to test whether we can use onomatopoeic words to selectively alter perceived material qualities in a top down fashion.
- Kılıç, F. & Dövencioğlu, D. N. (2024) Visual Softness Perception Can Be Manipulated Through Exploratory Procedures, Perception
- Nalbantoğlu, H., Hazır, B.M., Dövencioğlu, D.N. (2023) Selectively manipulating softness perception of materials through sound symbolism. Frontiers in Psychology.
Material Properties of Shape Dynamics, Research Universities Support Program (ADEP Grant No: 11273), 2023-2026.
Finished Projects
Visual Haptic Material Perception and Turkish Sound Symbolism in Children and Adults, TÜBİTAK 1002 Grant (223K919), 2024-2025.
Temporal Dynamics of Numerosity Perception, TÜBİTAK 1002 Grant (Advisor, PI: Aslı Kılıç, 124K725), 2024-2025.
The Role of Cognitive Processes in Perception of Multidimensional Softness, ODTÜ BAP Starting Grant (17/01/2022, AGEP-104-2022-10910)
Studying Body Image in Female Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, , TÜBİTAK 1002 Grant (Advisor, PI: Prof Dr Devrim Akdemir - Hacettepe Uni, Grant No: 120S197), 2021.
The Role of Motion and Surface Material in Three-Dimensional Shape Perception,TÜBİTAK 2232 Postdoctoral Reintegration Grant (No: 114C110), 2014-2016.
adımODTÜ Undergraduate Research Projects
The Impact of Familiarity and Handedness on Grasping Affordance, Alper Artan, 2025.
Exploring the Formation of Psuedo-Onomatopeic Words in Multimodal Material Perception, İlknur Kaya, 2025.
Multimodal Granularity Perception Across Auditory and Haptic Channels, Renk Kaya, C6, 2024
Temporal Properties of Numerosity Perception, Zelal Eltaş, Doç. Dr. Aslı Kılıç Özhan (PI), 2023
Active Exploration of Materials with Partially Restricted Hand Movements, Betül Ayça Coşkun, J9, 2022.
Effect of Haptic Exploratory Processes on Online Shopping Experience, Fatma Çelebi, Hümeyra Aybüke Bilir, İzel Deniz Vardar, E8, 2021.
Effect of Auditory Cues on Object Perception, Ömer Faruk Yıldıran, E5, 2021 -The Global Undergraduate Awards Highly Commended Entrants Award