nonview

Nonview is a term used in media studies and contemporary art to describe content and experiences that do not rely primarily on visual presentation. It refers to works and design practices that prioritize non-visual sensory channels—such as sound, language, touch, and spatial perception—over images and screens.

Characteristically, nonview works foreground audio design, narration, ambient sound, or tactile feedback. They may be fully audio-based, or combine non-visual elements with minimal or intentionally withheld visuals. The approach often seeks to engage audiences through listening, movement, or exploration rather than watching.

Origins and use: Nonview emerged in discussions of multi-sensory media, accessibility, and experimental art in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It is used to describe projects in theater, radio drama, sound installations, and game or software interfaces that allow or require users to access content without relying on video. It is also connected to practices that describe visual content for visually impaired audiences.

Examples and applications include ambient or narrative sound installations that map space through sound, audio-described performances, immersive theater using directed focus rather than spectacle, and games designed with audio-first or haptic controls.

Reception and critique: Critics contend that nonview can broaden inclusivity and explore novel expressive potential, while others argue that it risks excluding audiences who expect visual cues. Proponents emphasize accessibility, cognitive diversity, and the expansion of media formats.

See also: sonic art, audio design, multi-sensory design, accessibility in media.