Branching Foresight - A Novel Interaction Concept for AI-generated Scenario ExplorationClimate anxiety often makes the future feel distant and overwhelming. We present Branching Foresight, a self-guided scenario tool that helps individuals explore climate futures through AI-generated scenarios framed as positive, neutral, and challenging trajectories. We position the system as a coping and reflective support tool, where each scenario is enriched with imagery, a conversational coach, and reflection cards. In a single-session study (N = 30), we measured climate transilience, climate-related emotions, creativity support, and user experience, complemented by telemetry and interviews. Results suggest within-subject pre-post improvements in transilience and reductions in negative emotions, with participants reporting strong creativity support and positive experience. As this evidence is single-session and non-comparative, it should be interpreted as initial indications of short-term change rather than superiority over alternative approaches. Qualitative feedback highlighted how the scenarios, imagery, and dialogue made climate futures more concrete and actionable. Our contributions are: (1) an interaction prototype for AI-mediated scenario exploration, (2) initial within-condition pre-post evidence of short-term improvements in perceived coping capacity and transilience during a self-guided session, and (3) design implications for creativity-supportive human-AI interaction in scenario planning.2026JUJakob Carl Uhl et al.AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbHGenerative AI (Text, Image, Music, Video)AI-Assisted Decision-Making & AutomationSustainable HCICHI
Play It Till You Make It: The Potential of Playful Role Enactment to Foster Digital AgencyTechnology use is always gendered: ideas about a person's abilities shape their approach to technologies and thus their digital agency. Yet, approaches towards fostering digital agency often focus only on competencies, falling short of accounting for the relationality and situatedness of agency. Based on a survey with 411 persons, we assessed gendered stereotype threat and agency-related experiences. We designed a workshop concept for providing spaces for agency exploration. We developed roles that address various gender-related stereotypes and embedded the workshop in a playful sci-fi setting. Through participant observations and group interviews, we analysed its potential. Our results show the relevance of understanding gendered notions and the need for a nuanced understanding of digital agency beyond dualistic thinking. Addressing stereotypes in digital agency must acknowledge the sociality and relationality of gender. Moreover, gendered aspects of identity can even serve as a basis for playful agency enactment and exploration, particularly through making.2025DBDiotima Bertel et al.AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center for Technology Experience; University of SalzburgGamification DesignGender & Race Issues in HCICHI
Choosing the Right Reality: A Comparative Analysis of Tangibility in Immersive Trauma SimulationsIn the field of medical first responder training, the choice of training modality is crucial for skill retention and real-world application. This study introduces the Green Manikin, an advanced Mixed Reality (MR) tool, conceptually combining the immersiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) with the tangibility of real-world training, and compares it against traditional real-world simulations and VR training. Our findings indicate that MR and real-world settings excel in Self and Social Presence, and in intention to use, offering heightened psychological presence suitable for complex training scenarios. Effort expectancy was highest in real-world environments, suggesting their ease of use for basic skill acquisition. This nuanced understanding allows for better tailoring of training modalities to specific educational objectives. Our research validates the utility of MR and offers a framework for selecting the most effective training environment for different learning outcomes in medical first responder training.2024JUJakob Carl Uhl et al.Austrian Institute of Technology, Paris Lodron University of SalzburgImmersion & Presence ResearchVR Medical Training & RehabilitationCHI
Sensing the Machine: Evaluating Multi-modal Interaction for Intelligent Dynamic GuidanceRecent research has demonstrated the potential for representing intelligent guidance using multi-modal cues, yet few guidelines or processes exist to guide the design of such a system. In this paper, we seek to address this gap by investigating the design of multi-modality assistant systems for setting the optimal parameters in industrial plants. We present the results of our study conducted with 22 participants to evaluate the effectiveness and experience of different combinations of visual (Highlights and Ambient lights) and haptic (Clicks and Vibration) modalities for providing intelligent dynamic guidance. Our findings demonstrate that providing the intelligent guidance with the multi modality of Highlights+Ambient resulted in shorter task duration and higher practicality than Ambient lights alone. Moreover, Highlights+Ambient+Vibration guidance was rated with lower usability than Highlights+Ambient as well as higher mental demand than merely Highlights.2024SZSetareh Zafari et al.In-Vehicle Haptic, Audio & Multimodal FeedbackForce Feedback & Pseudo-Haptic WeightIUI
Tangible Immersive Trauma Simulation: Is Mixed Reality the next level of medical skills training?In medical simulation training two approaches are currently rather disjunct: realistic manikins are used to teach physical skills and procedures and VR systems are used to train situation assessment and decision making. We propose a mixed reality approach, which allows trainees to use real tools and their hands when interacting with a physical manikin overlaid with a responsive virtual avatar. In close exchange with first responder organizations, we developed and evaluated an MR training scenario. In the scenario, users can talk to injured people in a car accident, assess the threat of the environment, and utilize real medical equipment. Participants experienced high levels of physical- and self-presence, increased stress levels, and reported a high technology acceptance. The proposed main requirements of first responders regarding haptic multi-sensory skill training in MR and the lessons learned from the workshop aim to guide the design of training solutions for medical training in MR.2023JUJakob Carl Uhl et al.AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, PLUS University of SalzburgSocial & Collaborative VRVR Medical Training & RehabilitationHuman-Robot Collaboration (HRC)CHI
Mode Awareness Interfaces in Automated Vehicles, Robotics, and Aviation: A Literature ReviewWith increasing automation capabilities and a push towards full automation in vehicles, mode awareness, i.e., the driver's awareness of the vehicle's current automation mode, becomes an important factor. While issues surrounding mode awareness are known, research concerning and design towards mode awareness appears to not yet be a focal point in the automated driving domain. In this paper, we provide a state-of-the art on mode awareness from the related domains of automated driving, aviation, and Human-Robot Interaction. We present a summary of existing mode awareness interface solutions as well as existing techniques and recognized gaps concerning mode awareness. We found that existing interfaces are often simple, sometimes outdated, yet are difficult to meaningfully expand without overloading the user. We also found predictive approaches as a promising strategy to lessen the need for mode awareness via separate indicators.2021YÖYasemin Dönmez Özkan et al.Automated Driving Interface & Takeover DesignAI-Assisted Decision-Making & AutomationAutoUI
Audio-Frequency Induction Loops (AFILs) as a Design Material for Architectural Interactivity: An Illustrated GuideAudio-frequency induction loops (AFILs) are commonly used as an assistive listening technology for hard-of-hearing individuals. They generate an electromagnetic field proportional to a sound source receivable by hearing aids. Our interactive system, the Sound of Space, is based on AFILs that generate a multi-dimensional soundscape in space. Cochlear implant (CI) listeners and hearing-aids wearers can experience the soundscape through bodily movement, whereas hearing individuals can experience it via a corresponding tangible device. While typical AFIL installations transmit a single sound source, in our interactive system we implement overlapping loops and their interference to locate multiple synchronised audio sources (i.e., corresponding electromagnetic fields) in space. The designed system is installed permanently in an integrative school for deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing students and teachers. In this pictorial, we illustrate our design and implementation process and contribute our learnings of using AFILs as a design material for architectural interactivity.2021EEEleni Economidou et al.Shape-Changing Interfaces & Soft Robotic MaterialsDeaf & Hard-of-Hearing Support (Captions, Sign Language, Vibration)Digital Art Installations & Interactive PerformanceDIS
Making Un-Use: When Humans Disengage with TechnologyHumans frequently discontinue to use certain technologies, services, or platforms: they deactivate accounts, block content, or find workarounds for un-using functionalities or devices. This is noticeable in contemporary trends, such as digital detox, where an entire market emerged to support users in discontinuing their use. In this essayistic paper, we reflect on a collection of examples where humans disengage with technology by applying Vardouli's concept of 'making use' to the context of discontinued use. We propose making un-use as an epistemological perspective to 'human-artefact engagements'; one that emphasises un-users as enactors of open-ended, temporarily evolving, and creative activities. We depict making un-use as transformational acts, and discuss epistemological and designerly consequences of making un-use to shed light on a not yet explored site of inquiry and a design space that is about to evolve: a design space for making and makers of un-use.2021AKAlina Krischkowsky et al.University of SalzburgInclusive DesignTechnology Ethics & Critical HCIUser Research Methods (Interviews, Surveys, Observation)CHI
Grandparents and Grandchildren Meeting Online: The Role of Material Things in Remote SettingsGrandparents and grandchildren, who cannot meet face-to-face (e.g., due to dislocation or physical distancing induced by a pandemic), often use audio-visual communication tools in order to maintain their relationship online. In a qualitative online survey (n = 85), we inquired into the various ways that grandparents and grandchildren came up with when being physically distant; many of them are tangible in nature as they include ''things'' or incorporate ''spaces''. In this paper, we illustrate related temporal and spatial trajectories and unpack how online meetings are characterized by constant negotiations of agency. We discuss how online meetings could complement face-to-face meetings, instead of mimicking or replacing them. We finally articulate a collection of design sensitivities with the aim to both inspire and question designing for intergenerational online meetings.2021VFVerena Fuchsberger et al.University of SalzburgTeleoperation & TelepresenceMuseum & Cultural Heritage DigitizationCHI
"Where Does It Go?" - a Study on Visual On-Screen Designs for Exit Management in an Automated Shuttle BusRiding a highly automated bus has the potential to bring about a set of novel challenges for the passenger. As there is no human driver present, there is no one to talk to regarding driving direction, stops, or delays. This lack of a human element is likely to cause a stronger reliance on the in-vehicle means of communication, such as displays. In this paper, we present the results from a qualitative study, in which we tested three different on-screen visualizations for passenger information during an automated bus trip. The designs focused primarily on signaling the next stop and proper time to request the bus to stop in absence of a human driver. We found that adding geo-spatial details can easily confuse more than help and that the absence of a human driver makes passengers feel more insecure about being able to exit at the right stop. Thus, passengers are less receptive for visual cues signaling upcoming stops and more likely to input stop requests immediately upon leaving the station.2019AMAlexander G. Mirnig et al.Motion Sickness & Passenger ExperienceSocial & Collaborative VRAutoUI
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems for Aging Drivers - Insights on 65+ Drivers' Acceptance of and Intention to Use ADASAdvanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) aim to increase safety by supporting drivers in the driving task. Especially older drivers (65+ years), given the nature of aging, could benefit from these systems. However, little is known about older drivers' acceptance of ADAS in general and how particular acceptance aspects influence their intention to use such systems. To address this research gap, we present results from a large-scale online survey (n=1328) with aging drivers, which was conducted in three European countries in 2019. We identified several demographic and driving-related variables, which are significantly related to acceptance. Furthermore, we found that older drivers' intention to use ADAS is most strongly predicted by favorable acceptance aspects (i.e., usefulness, reassurance, and trust), while unfavorable aspects (i.e., annoyance, irritation, and stress) were found to have less to none predictive power. The findings are discussed considering future research directions in this area.2019HBHanna Braun et al.Head-Up Display (HUD) & Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)AutoUI
The Insurer's Paradox: About Liability, the Need for Accident Data, and Legal Hurdles for Automated DrivingIn light of recent incidents, it has become increasingly relevant to determine who is responsible in case of accidents involving automated vehicles. In this paper, we investigate the question of liability in automated vehicles of SAE levels 3 and above. We claim that there is a mismatch between current liability practices, where a designated driver is usually held responsible, and future perspectives, where the human assumes more and more a passive passenger-like role. Our claims are supported by the results from an interview study with insurance companies from two European countries. We show that insurers lack sufficient data to make informed decisions on how to apportion liability in SAE level 3+ scenarios. We discuss how these considerations have to be reflected in interfaces for the driver in order to make the legal status transparent for the driver.2019AMAlexander G. Mirnig et al.Automated Driving Interface & Takeover DesignPrivacy by Design & User ControlAutoUI
Interacting with Autonomous Vehicles: Learning from other DomainsThe rise of evermore autonomy in vehicles and the expected introduction of self-driving cars have led to a focus on human interactions with such systems from an HCI perspective over the last years. Automotive User Interface researchers have been investigating issues such as transition control procedures, shared control, (over)trust, and overall user experience in automated vehicles. Now, it is time to open the research field of automated driving to other CHI research fields, such as Human-Robot-Interaction (HRI), aeronautics and space, conversational agents, or smart devices. These communities have been dealing with the interplay between humans and automated systems for more than 30 years. In this workshop, we aim to provide a forum to discuss what can be learnt from other domains for the design of autonomous vehicles. Interaction design problems that occur in these domains, such as transition control procedures, how to build trust in the system, and ethics will be discussed.2018AMAlexander Meschtscherjakov et al.University of SalzburgAutomated Driving Interface & Takeover DesignAI Ethics, Fairness & AccountabilityHuman-Robot Collaboration (HRC)CHI