Showing papers by "Paweł W. Woźniak published in 2015"

RUFUS: Remote Supporter Feedback for Long-Distance Runners

Abstract: This paper explores remote cheering during amateur races through a formative design inquiry. Friends and family of advanced amateur runners are part of their running experience. Runners rely on support during the race day and it is usually provided in the form of co-located cheers. RUFUS -- a prototype remote ambient runner support system -- was developed. The system enables supporters to send three types of signals to runners during a race and runners can send signals back to supporters. Input from supporters is sent through a webpage and received by runners through a device designed to lower distraction. An in situ study was conducted to evaluate the prototype during an organized race. Results show that two-way communication between runners and supporters was achieved. We also found that our system reflected varying user needs correctly. Runners and supporters reported increased motivation and enhanced race experience through feeling connected.

Flow is Not Enough: Understanding the Needs of Advanced Amateur Runners to Design Motivation Technology

Abstract: Motivation studies on running are often focused on how to convince non-runners to run, mainly through designing for extrinsic motivations such as health concerns or external reward systems. In contrast, we conducted a structured inquiry into understanding how to design technology for those whom are already committed to running and participate in organized races. Through interviews, focus groups, ethnographic observation, questionnaires, and design-based research over the course of two years, we investigated the needs of the advanced amateur runner community. An analysis of the gathered data led to five design themes -- Festival, Competition, Practicalities, Togetherness, and Support -- to inform future runner motivation technology. While flow theory appears to be a convenient tool to understand support during a race, we observed a number of other factors that need to be considered. Through combining the themes with previous research, we conclude by presenting nine guidelines for designing technology for this domain.

Ad hoc encounters with big data: Engaging citizens in conversations around tabletops

Abstract: The increasing abundance of data creates new opportunities for communities of interest and communities of practice. We believe that interactive tabletops will allow users to explore data in familiar places such as living rooms, cafes, and public spaces. We propose informal, mobile possibilities for future generations of flexible and portable tabletops. In this paper, we build upon current advances in sensing and in organic user interfaces to propose how tabletops in the future could encourage collaboration and engage users in socially relevant data-oriented activities. Our work focuses on the socio-technical challenges of future democratic deliberation. As part of our vision, we suggest switching from fixed to mobile tabletops and provide two examples of hypothetical interface types: TableTiles and Moldable Displays. We consider how tabletops could foster future civic communities, expanding modes of participation originating in the Greek Agora and in European notions of cafes as locales of political deliberation.

Untangling running: designing for real-life runner experiences

Abstract: Running has become a key fitness activity included in local and national health strategies, as it has low entry costs and is widely available. Training programs intended to help people start running are reported in the mainstream press, attracting interest from people intrigued by the sport's health and leisure benefits. Marketing campaigns have been launched to expand national runner communities and persuade more people to be part of the running experience. Many design efforts in human-computer interaction (HCI) have investigated how to design systems promoting a more active lifestyle.

Volvo Single View of Vehicle: Building a Big Data Service from Scratch in the Automotive Industry

Abstract: Big data analytics is a major trend affecting business today. Many organizations collect vast amounts of data simply to investigate if its market value can be identified. In this case study, we contribute a practical example of using the big data approach to create innovative services. We describe our work to identify and integrate data sources in order establish what data is available and who may benefit from it. We then show how we worked with users to communicate the vast possibilities created when many data sources are integrated, and participated in building a new big data service. Finally, we share a set of lessons we learned which can guide future big data inquiries. Our work was conducted in the context of the inspection, service, and sale of Volvo trucks, significantly aiding risk management for Volvo Used Trucks EMEA.

ChromaGlove: a wearable haptic feedback device for colour recognition

Abstract: While colourblindness is a disability that does not prevent those suffering from it from living fruitful lives, it does cause difficulties in everyday life situations such as buying clothes. Users suffering from colourblindness may be helped by designing devices that integrate well with their daily routines. This paper introduces ChromaGlove, a wearable device that converts colour input into haptic output thus enhancing the colour-sensing ability of the user. The device uses variable pulse widths on vibration motor to communicate differences in hue. Data is obtained through an illuminated colour sensor placed on the palm. In the future, we plan to conduct studies that will show how well a haptic glove can be integrated in everyday actions.