Conference Agenda

The graphical user interface was introduced to democratize access to computer systems by simplifying hardware and visual interfaces. Technological advancements further reduced the constraints, primarily benefiting the mainstream users. However, the specialized needs of the critical users have always been neglected. This paper delves into the ergonomics of the mouse pointer and the computer mouse, focusing on left-handed computer users as a critical user category to develop and propose a universal design solution to integrate left-handers as a mainstream user category in a computer interface.

Empowerment is crucial for eliciting designer empathy. This research explores a distinctive integration of empathic modelling and role-play, termed Empathic Empowerment. Through a qualitative study, this research introduces a novel evaluation system, entitled the Empathic Empowerment Scale, designed to support the optimal level of designer empathy in a situated interaction drawn from habitual user experiences. The goal of this research is to empower designers to create the next generation of human-oriented solutions with enhanced inclusivity and social value, through practical experiences.

This paper presents a toolkit of heuristics for enabling non-professionals to design for wellbeing, merging design, psychology, and ergonomics. It demystifies design, focusing on happiness and long-term wellbeing, making design principles accessible to all. This toolkit narrows the divide between design theory and practice, advocating design as a tool to enhance life for individuals and society.

This paper explores the concept of 'playables,' defined as tangible objects intentionally designed for immersive play, distinct from traditional utilitarian objects. It delves into how playables, unlike everyday items, transcend functionality, fostering creativity and curiosity in immersive play. It explores how playables differ from acknowledged design principles, drawing upon Dieter Rams and Don Norman. By recognizing the need for distinct design perspectives for playables, the paper contributes to unlocking their potential to enable wonder in immersive play experiences.

Inertial motion capture has garnered considerable attention within the manufacturing industry for ergonomic assessments due to high reliability and fewer constraints compared to alternative posture tracking direct measurement tools. However, these wearable systems, while ensuring reliability and precision in the results, also introduce a degree of invasiveness. Hence, user experience becomes an important aspect for design and development of such systems. This paper reveals major user experience issues resulting from an experimental study for promoting user-centred design of wearable systems.

Robots are becoming increasingly prevalent in the workplace. As Industry 5.0 pursues human-centric technologies, a greater understanding of what effects aesthetics has on those interacting with robots is needed. This paper sets out robot morphology as a way to characterise key form types, and proposes seven classifications: anthropomorphism, zoomorphism, phytomorphism, artemorphism, functiomorphism, amorphism, and neomorphism. Through an assessment of the current robot aesthetic landscape, design dimensions are identified with examples that can inform future robot design.