Stephan Schwan

Prof. Dr. Stephan Schwan is the head of the Realistic Representations research group at the Institute for Knowledge Media (IWM) at the University of Tübingen. He holds a professorship in psychology and has extensive experience in cognitive and educational research, particularly focusing on how dynamic audiovisual media and digital representations influence human learning and perception in informal settings like museums. His career includes a professorship for e-learning at Johannes Kepler University Linz (2002–2004) and a tenure as Deputy Director of the IWM (2017–2024). He earned his doctorate and habilitation in psychology from the University of Tübingen.

His research explores the cognitive processing of realistic media, including haptic exploration of museum artifacts, AI-generated language effects, and spatial-temporal data visualization. Projects such as 'Digital Materialities' and 'Historical Sounds' investigate how digital tools and authentic objects enhance learning in museums. Key interests include museum visitor behavior, media authenticity, and the role of sensory engagement in knowledge acquisition.

Publications span cognitive psychology, educational technology, and museum studies, with a focus on multimedia learning principles and their application in real-world settings. His work bridges theoretical insights with practical applications, emphasizing the interplay between digital media and human cognition.

Current projects include studying the cognitive impact of AI-generated narratives, immersive digital environments, and spatiotemporal data representation. Prof. Schwan collaborates across disciplines, integrating psychology, education, and digital humanities to advance understanding of media-driven learning processes.