You're making things AR-kward: Exploring Augmented Reality In-the-WildEven though recent technological advancements have led to a growing interest in AR HMD, their actual deployment in everyday, outdoor and on-the-move applications remains uncertain. Most AR research is conducted in controlled laboratory settings, leaving a gap in our understanding of AR's potentials and complexities in real-world environments. This paper explores the social aspects surrounding AR use in public spaces, by investigating the use of AR HMD during two distinct use cases: shopping at a farmers market and outdoor presentations. Based on the analysis of observations and interviews with participants, passersby and vendors, we explore social impact of AR and share methodological and technological insights. We contribute seven lessons learned for researchers conducting AR studies in-the-wild. Our findings show that the current understanding of non-users should be revisited for in-the-wild AR studies. Furthermore, current AR HMD lack social components, inducing awkwardness in social situations, which might fade with continuous exposure.2025HSHelen Stefanidi et al.AR Navigation & Context AwarenessImmersion & Presence ResearchSocial Platform Design & User BehaviorMobileHCI
Interacting Like a Girl: Considering Body Comportment in the Design of Embodied InteractionsRecently, design research has embraced more-than-human perspectives to explore the complex entanglements of our world, decentering the human subject and eliminating dualistic thinking. Despite these advances, further progress is needed to develop a future that equally considers all beings. This paper examines the impact of body comportment on the design of embodied, interactive technologies. Drawing on Iris Marion Young's essay, we argue that the assumption of a universal body standard can lead to a disconnect between a person’s intentions and their interactions with technology. We relate three modalities of body comportment---ambiguous transcendence, inhibited intentionality, and discontinuous unity---to embodied interaction. These modalities offer a perspective on how embodied being-in-the-world extends beyond physical capabilities, facilitating a pluralist view of the human body. We discuss the implications of Young's essay for research and design, reflecting on how the designer’s own 'feminine existence' may influence the spatial scope of embodied interactions.2025DSDorothé Smit et al.Full-Body Interaction & Embodied InputGender & Race Issues in HCIHuman-Nature Relationships (More-than-Human Design)DIS
Embodied Measurement: Tangible Interactions to Enhance the Validity of Self-Report MeasuresThis work introduces the concept of Embodied Measurement (EM), designed to improve the validity and inclusivity of cognitive load assessments by incorporating physical interactions that mirror mental effort. We implemented a haptic force-feedback turning knob as an alternative to traditional Likert-scale ratings and compared it with visual (mouse-based) and combined (haptic and visual) modalities. Participants completed a cognitive load task with varying difficulty levels using each modality, while biosignals such as heart rate variability, skin conductance, and pupil size were recorded to objectively assess cognitive load. In addition, qualitative feedback was gathered to explore participants' experiences with each input method. Our findings highlight the potential of EM to offer more tangible and intuitive ways of measuring cognitive load, with the combined modality providing the most comprehensive feedback. This study contributes to human-computer interaction (HCI) research by proposing new approaches for measuring cognitive and emotional effort through physical interaction.2025JUJakob Carl Uhl et al.Austrian Institute of Technology; Paris Lodron University of SalzburgForce Feedback & Pseudo-Haptic WeightVisualization Perception & CognitionComputational Methods in HCICHI
Augmented Reality on the Move: A Systematic Literature Review for Vulnerable Road UsersDue to the continuous improvement of Augmented Reality (AR) head-mounted displays (HMDs), these devices are bound to be increasingly integrated into our daily routines. So far, a major focus of AR research has been on indoor usage and deployment. However, since seamlessly supporting users in their activities while being on-the-move in various outdoor contexts becomes increasingly important, there is a need to investigate the current state-of-the-art of AR technologies while people are in motion outdoors. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature review of pertinent HCI publications, specifically looking into applications concerning vulnerable road users. We identify the contexts in which such technologies have been researched, prevailing challenges in the field, and applied methodological approaches. Our findings show that most contributions address pedestrians, a shift towards HMDs, and a prevalence of lab studies due to technology limitations. Based on our findings, we discuss trends, existing gaps and opportunities for future research.2024HSHelen Stefanidi et al.External HMI (eHMI) — Communication with Pedestrians & CyclistsAR Navigation & Context AwarenessMobileHCI
“Be with me and stay with me”: Insights from Co-Designing a Digital Companion to Support Patients Transitioning from Hospital to Cardiac RehabilitationCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global health challenge, compounded by a significant systemic treatment gap: the underutilization of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Central to this issue is the crucial yet underperforming referral process to CR due to various factors, including patients’ lack of information. By co-designing a CR referral assistant with cardiac patients and healthcare professionals, this work explores how technology can support patient journeys from the acute hospital to CR, overcoming existing healthcare system barriers. This work (1) contributes a map of patients’ evolving needs tailored to their pathway, (2) provides design implications for interactive digital health technologies aiming to facilitate patient transitions across established healthcare system boundaries, and (3) discusses the potential of technology as a "patient companion" during their transition to CR.2024IHIsabel Höppchen et al.Mental Health Apps & Online Support CommunitiesTelemedicine & Remote Patient MonitoringRobots in Education & HealthcareDIS
Grand Challenges in SportsHCIThe field of Sports Human-Computer Interaction (SportsHCI) investigates interaction design to support a physically active human being. Despite growing interest and dissemination of SportsHCI literature over the past years, many publications still focus on solving specific problems in a given sport. We believe in the benefit of generating fundamental knowledge for SportsHCI more broadly to advance the field as a whole. To achieve this, we aim to identify the grand challenges in SportsHCI, which can help researchers and practitioners in developing a future research agenda. Hence, this paper presents a set of grand challenges identified in a five-day workshop with 22 experts who have previously researched, designed, and deployed SportsHCI systems. Addressing these challenges will drive transformative advancements in SportsHCI, fostering better athlete performance, athlete-coach relationships, spectator engagement, but also immersive experiences for recreational sports or exercise motivation, and ultimately, improve human well-being.2024DEDon Samitha Elvitigala et al.Monash UniversityGame UX & Player BehaviorSerious & Functional GamesMental Health Apps & Online Support CommunitiesCHI
Designing Diverse Pathways for ParticipationIn HCI there have been calls for diversity-driven research and insights into how this may be carried out in practice. One way of conducting diversity-driven HCI research is by doing participatory design. In this paper we contribute with lessons identified from organizing a PD workshop that enabled diverse ways of participating for our participants. The workshop design is based on insights from two years of doing diversity-driven PD with two middle school classes, which are particularly interesting settings to explore as diverse children spend substantial time together in a period of their development that is formative for their socialisation. We describe the workshop itself before reflecting on its structure and facilitation as well as the role of the physical space and the choice of design materials with the aim to distil insights and recommendations about what researchers can do to enable diverse pathways of participation in design processes.2024JFJeanette Falk et al.University of SalzburgInclusive DesignParticipatory DesignCHI
Three Design Directions for a Diversity Computing Design SpaceWe present the insights from participatory design work that explores notions of Diversity Computing (DivComp) and how HCI can meaningfully engage with designing technology around diversity without resorting to tokenistic approaches. A future goal overarching the initial findings in this paper is to design technologically mediated, physical spaces (DivComp Spaces) within a school context where children meet, experiment and learn the complex dynamics of othering. We report on a series of nine workshops with 48 children. Based on a thematic analysis, we present four themes --- Technology as Utility and Authority, Individual and Collective Place-Making, Staged and Emerging Conflicts, Belonging to the Group and Self-Expression --- which we use to inform three design directions for developing DivComp Spaces specifically in the context of school. Finally, we critically reflect on our design practice and the difficulties of designing not only for, but also with diversity meaningfully embedded into design processes.2023JFJeanette Falk et al.University of SalzburgInclusive DesignDeveloping Countries & HCI for Development (HCI4D)Participatory DesignCHI
Exploring Bodily Heirlooms: Material Ways to Prolong Closeness Beyond DeathThe body plays an important role in building and maintaining emotional relationships. When a loved one dies, it is inevitable that their body will decease as well, meaning that physical closeness can no longer be experienced. In this paper, we engage with material ways to extend experiences of physical and emotional nearness beyond death. We explore the design space of ‘bodily heirlooms’: crafted, precious, interactive objects designed to pass on bodily impressions beyond lifespan. We review cultural practices that intend to bequeath the body, and related work that addresses death, bereavement and digital heirlooms. After that, we describe the design and making process of three bodily heirlooms, reflections in and on action, and reactions of visitors who inspected the heirlooms during an exhibition. We conclude by discussing notions of heirlooms’ preciousness, the emotional bond between heirlooms and their maker and how the process can be understood as a feminist practice.2022JBJanne Mascha Beuthel et al.Design FictionInteractive Narrative & Immersive StorytellingC&C
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
Stop or Go? Let me Know! A Field Study on Visual External Communication for Automated ShuttlesIn mixed traffic environments, highly automated vehicles (HAV) can potentially be disruptive and a source of hazards due to their non-human driving behavior and a lack of ``traditional'' communication means (gestures, eye contact, and similar) to resolve issues or otherwise unclear situations. As a result, additional external human-machine interfaces (eHMI) for automated vehicles that replace the now absent human element in communication have been proposed. In this paper, we present the results from a study, in which two versions of a light band eHMI to communicate driving intend of an automated shuttle were evaluated in a real driving environment. We found that the green-red traffic light metaphor and simple animations could improve interaction success in certain aspects. We also found and discuss that the effect of using vs. not using the visual eHMIs was overall lower than expected and that the shuttle's position and observable driving behavior seemed to play a larger role than anticipated.2021AMAlexander G. Mirnig et al.External HMI (eHMI) — Communication with Pedestrians & CyclistsAutoUI
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
Chase Lights in the Peripheral View: How the Design of Moving Patterns on an LED Strip Influences the Perception of Speed in an Automotive ContextLEDs on a strip, when turned on and off in a specific order, result in the perception of apparent motion (i.e. beta movement). In the automotive domain such chase lights have been used to alter drivers' perception of driving speed by manipulating the pixel speed of LEDs. We argue that the perceived velocity of beta movement in the peripheral view is not only based on the actual pixel speed but can be influenced by other factors such as frequency, width and brightness of lit LED segments. We conducted a velocity matching experiment (N=25) by systematically varying these three properties, in order to determine their influence on a participant's perceived velocity in a vehicle mock-up. Results show that a higher frequency and stronger brightness increased perceived velocity, whereas segment width had no influence. We discuss how findings may be applied when designing systems that use beta movement to influence the perception of ambient light velocity.2020AMAlexander Meschtscherjakov et al.University of SalzburgHead-Up Display (HUD) & Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)In-Vehicle Haptic, Audio & Multimodal FeedbackCHI
Trolled by the Trolley Problem: On What Matters for Ethical Decision Making in Automated VehiclesAutomated vehicles have to make decisions, such as driving maneuvers or rerouting, based on environment data and decision algorithms. There is a question whether ethical aspects should be considered in these algorithms. When all available decisions within a situation have fatal consequences, this leads to a dilemma. Contemporary discourse surrounding this issue is dominated by the trolley problem, a specific version of such a dilemma. Based on an outline of its origins, we discuss the trolley problem and its viability to help solve the questions regarding ethical decision making in automated vehicles. We show that the trolley problem serves several important functions but is an ill-suited benchmark for the success or failure of an automated algorithm. We argue that research and design should focus on avoiding trolley-like problems at all rather than trying to solve an unsolvable dilemma and discuss alternative approaches on how to feasibly address ethical issues in automated agents.2019AMAlexander G. Mirnig et al.University of SalzburgAutomated Driving Interface & Takeover DesignAI Ethics, Fairness & AccountabilityCHI
"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
Follow Me: Exploring Strategies and Challenges for Collaborative DrivingCurrent research on Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication aims at improving interaction between different vehicles by communication technologies and is mainly focused on driver-to-driver interaction. But how do drivers and passengers of two vehicles that have the same destination communicate with each other? In such a collaborative driving scenario, several factors such as the environmental context or the behavior of the vehicle occupants may influence the communication. In order to explore how information is exchanged in collaborative driving, we conducted an exploratory in-situ study with seven groups of two driver/co-driver pairs each, located in two separate vehicles. During the ride, the participants had to drive collaboratively on a predefined route solving different subtasks. We found that different social (e.g., driving habits, unpredicted intentions) and contextual factors (e.g., night/rain conditions, size or color of the vehicle) influenced collaboration. Our findings provide a deeper understanding of collaborative driving and inform future V2V communication designs.2018NPNicole Perterer et al.V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) Communication DesignAutoUI