bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Ergonomics in Construction Industry Environments: A Digital Solution with Scalable Event-Driven Architecture
Authors: Enrique Bances P Nelson , Schneider Urs , Bauernhansl Thomas , Siegert Jörg
Published: June 2024

The construction sector remains among the least digitized and automated industries, where human cognitive intervention is still necessary for many tasks. These tasks often entail significant physical exertion, increasing the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) when workers perform unexpected movements or events. While assessment methods and technologies like wearable devices, bio-signal sensors, and digital tools enable real-time monitoring of ergonomic factors, integrating them simultaneously presents a challenge. This paper describes developing and implementing an event-based architecture to address this complexity. This architecture monitors each integrated system in real time, offering workers immediate feedback on their ergonomic behaviors and adjustments while predicting potential hazards. Furthermore, it facilitates group work by enhancing coordination and communication among team members through real-time sharing of relevant ergonomic data and insights.The architecture consists of three layers that can be scaled according to needs. 1) The physical layer manages all data sources, such as motion capture, electromyography, and external sensor systems. Each system uses the IoT messaging protocol MQTT to send and exchange data. 2) The digital layer consists of several frameworks for stream-producing data and distributing the parallel computing through several microservices, and 3) the human-system interaction layer where the results or outcome of the services go. The information could be displayed to give feedback, warning alerts, or just notifications to the worker through AR glasses, or an external monitoring system could be used for post-ergonomics analysis. Our initial findings highlight integrating a motion capture system into the architecture. This integration empowers the deployment of ergonomic evaluation methods such as RULA, REBA, and the body joint angle range classification to mitigate ergonomic risks during construction tasks effectively.
Design and Implementation of Gesture Interaction for a Command And Control System Based on Multimodal Data Fusion
Authors: Méng Gāo Méng , Fu Deqiang , Li Ning
Published: June 2024

With the continuous improvement of people's demand for interactive experience,gesture interaction technology, as a natural and intuitive way of human-computer interaction, has attracted more and more attention and research. However, the research and application of gesture interaction in command and control system is still lacking. Firstly, the characteristics of command and control system and the key technologies of gesture interaction are investigated in this study.Then a series of operating gestures that meet the application scenarios of the command and control system are designed,and a gesture recognition algorithm based on the fusion of image data and skeletal data is proposed.By integrating with the command and control system, the function of controlling the command and control system through gestures is realized. Finally, the feasibility and effect of gesture interaction technology in the application scenarios of command and control system are evaluated through experiments.The experimental results show that the application effect of the technology in the command and control system system is good, which can reach 94.89% under typical tasks, improving the interaction efficiency and interaction experience.
Region Selector Usability Test：Dropdown vs. Tabs
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Xia Ying
Published: June 2024

When ordering cloud computing products, users need to select the instance location based on their local area, which can effectively reduce network delay and improve network access speed. At present, the cloud products have a wide geographical coverage, with more than 30 regional options. The style of region selector will affect the efficiency of user region selection. The purpose of this study is to compare the usability of the dropdown and the tabs. Firstly, the optimization process is determined based on the international standard process of user experience, and the problem of the current selector is analyzed through the analytic hierarchy process and Dropdown is determined as the comparison scheme. Then through the comparative analysis of page performance indicators, behavior indicators and business indicators, the data results show that the dropdown selector has better user experience and business value. The above findings can guide cloud computing platform designers to improve a region pooling selector design and provide users with a more user-friendly interactive experience. At the same time, the research process and method can be used for reference in interface design to improve work efficiency and effectiveness.
Bimodal Affective Computing Interfaces for Emerging Artificial Intelligence Paradigms
Authors: Gonsher Ian , Phelps Joshua , Yan Shiyu , Yang Xiaoxi
Published: June 2024

For nearly 30 years, Affective Computing has described a paradigm for human-computer interaction where machines are designed to respond to human affect. With recent acceleration in the development of artificial intelligence, the possibility of conscious machines with their own experiences and emotions is emerging. This is an opportune moment for engineers and designers to speculate and consider how affective computing paradigms might be expanded to also include machine affect and an emotional capacity of AI. We explore these themes through the development of a prototype that introduces human users to machine affect.
Error Communication in Manual Assembly through a Projection-Based Assistance System
Authors: Markus Antonia , Marleen Daling Lea , Borowski Esther , Isenhardt Ingrid
Published: June 2024

While automation is advancing, manual labor continues to be relevant due to its flexibility, adaptability, cost considerations, and the unique qualities that humans bring to the workforce. In certain tasks and contexts, human involvement remains essential. One context is manual assembly which is still an essential part of many production systems due to the diversity of product variants and the challenges of producing in batch size 1. Manual assembly often outweigh the high costs of automated solutions. Nevertheless, a high variability of products and high quality standards pose a challenge to employees. Given the shortage of skilled workers, it is crucial to provide support for employees and ensure the quality of manual assembly. This includes assisting unskilled workers in the assembly process. In addition to optimizing training time and available instructions, error detection during the assembly process can serve as a mean to reduce errors and support employees. Error detection can be separated in two aspects: on the one hand the technological solution to recognize process steps and deviations and on the other hand the error communication when errors occur. This study lays the groundwork for the latter by investigating the effect of error communication during the process on assembly quality and employee satisfaction.An on-site manual assembly station was set up and n=12 participants have taken part in the study. Their task was to complete an assembly task based on instructions projected onto the work surface. In the control condition, participants independently navigated through the description of instructed assembly steps using displayed arrows. The experimental condition used a Wizard-of-Oz experimental design in which participants were informed that the assistance system automatically recognizes their process and detects errors. In the case of an error, a correction prompt emerged instead of the next instruction step. Performance measures included the required assembly time and recorded errors. Participants also completed questionnaires on workload (NASA TLX), usability (SUS), control beliefs in dealing with technology, and subjective performance.Data analysis is pending. Comparable measures will show in which regard the two conditions differ, shedding light on the effect of error communication during the assembly on quality and employee satisfaction. In the end, the implications for future research and application will be discussed in the paper.
Concept development and implementation of a trend-based work analysis using digital tools and studies to identify load peaks
Authors: Dietrich Fabian , Liebl Stefanie , Merkel Torsten , Buruck Gabriele
Published: June 2024

As part of the “Perspectives on labour research Lusatia” (PAL) project, five chairs at Zwickau University of Applied Sciences are working with industrial partners to develop low-threshold methods and tools for simplified screening of work characteristics. Traditionally, the assessment of work systems requires extensive specialist knowledge in the areas of occupational safety, ergonomics and operational design. Creating a hazard and stress register as a basis for work system design is therefore time-consuming and most of the times cost-intensive, which leads to a wait-and-see attitude, especially among small and medium-sized companies. However, innovations in the field of work analysis are now enabling the use and integration of smart, digital assistance systems, such as smartwatches or fitness trackers, combined with portable, intelligent environmental measurement technology. This combination allows an autonomous, in-house assessment of the stresses occurring without the need for external specialists and expensive equipment. The protection of personal rights is guaranteed by anonymized and pseudonymized data transmission. The departmental or process-specific evaluation of the collected data using machine learning creates an indicative stress assessment that enables work to be organized in line with all requirements. The resulting rough classification of key areas for action serves to define priorities for action and supports targeted decision-making processes for further measures, in which experts are involved on a selective basis. As a result, companies can carry out a focus-oriented and therefore economically sensible optimization of work design. Of particular importance, however, are the expected positive effects on employees, such as increasing motivation as well as higher job satisfaction.
Evaluating Fundamental and Operational Marksmanship Performance Across Head-Borne Equipment
Authors: Schuler Patrik , Lam Peioneti , Mitchell Blake
Published: June 2024

Warfighter clothing and individual equipment (CIE) can impede the ability of a Warfighter to rapidly identify, engage, and hit their target. This paper describes a laboratory experiment where 32 Soldiers completed a simulated marksmanship scenario in four head-borne CIE conditions. Conditions included the M50 military respirator gas mask, sand-wind-dust (SWD) goggles, the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH): with eye protection, and the ACH alone. The scenario consisted of two sequential marksmanship tasks, referred to collectively as the Individual Shooting Scenario (ISS), consisting of a traditional and a novel marksmanship task. Our results illustrated that the ISS could capture marksmanship performance differences with enough sensitivity to distinguish across head-borne CIE equipment. Of the four CIE conditions, Soldiers generally performed worst while donning the M50 mask while results for other conditions varied by marksmanship measurement. The p(hit) for the traditional marksmanship task was significantly different across all conditions and post hoc testing found that the ACH with eye protection and SWD goggles were significantly better than the M50 condition. The findings collectively indicate a relationship between increased burdensomeness of head-borne equipment and its impact on the application of marksmanship fundamentals, consequently resulting in adverse effects on marksmanship outcomes. Further investigation is warranted to comprehensively probe the relationship and limitations of this finding. Understanding the influence of CIE on marksmanship performance can aid equipment designers to prepare for a wider variety of environments; in addition, it also can improve marksmanship training for Warfighters in equipment, the same equipment which saves lives in diverse and harsh combat environments.
Assessing Creativity in Higher Education: An Action Research Approach to Developing Effective Assessment Methods in Creative Education
Authors: Ho Amic
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study is to explore, through action research, the effectiveness of non-traditional assessment techniques, developed to capture student creative abilities and academic performance. Portfolio critiques, peer assessment, and design-based activities are approved as viable action research strategies to capture the creative process immolated in student work and to represent student academic performance more holistically. Additionally, this study explores the affect that non-traditional assessment techniques have on student motivation and their ability to solve problems creatively. Non-traditional assessment instruments, which can be used to evaluate students' creative and problem-solving abilities; acceptable assessment methodology for assessing the effectiveness of innovative educational content; and the effects of emotional content development on communication design were also addressed in this research. The findings may be used by educators, designers, and researchers alike to develop more relevant and efficacious standpoint assessment instruments for creative education.
Slicer Deconstruction Training for Improving Students’ Three-Dimensional Modeling Ability
Authors: Zheng Meng-Cong , Wang Li-Jen
Published: June 2024

Existing higher education senior-year design courses have demonstrated that students are often limited by their ability to use three-dimensional (3D) software or are overly reliant on their two-dimensional (2D) abilities, affecting their performance for 3D modeling. Slicer deconstruction is a procedure of dismantling and unfolding models. Closed lines from three-view drawings of an existing model are converted into tangent planes that are then concatenated into a new model. This study aimed to enable students to understand the principle of converting 2D surfaces to 3D surfaces through slicer deconstruction training and to improve their spatial and 3D modeling abilities by combining physical models with 3D modeling. First-year college students in a 3D design course were selected as the experimental group, and the control group com-prised first-year college students who had not received slicer deconstruction training. In the spatial visualization test, the overall performance of the experimental group was superior to that of the control group. Specifically, question 29, which involved a test of rotating in two directions three times, saw a significantly higher correct response rate in the experimental group compared to the control group. Hence, we can infer that the training has enhanced students' three-dimensional modeling and spatial abilities.
Beyond the Classroom: A Case Study of Higher Education Internship Support for Industrial Design Students
Authors: Barnhart Betsy , Hagins Carly , Tierney Katherine
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a case study that investigates the organizational structure and support mechanisms provided by industrial design programs at three comprehensive universities for student internship placements. The ultimate goal of the study is to evaluate the success of each program. Internships serve as a pivotal component in preparing students for the professional landscape, offering a practical bridge between academic knowledge and real-world application. Existing research suggests that students engaged in internships are more likely to secure employment in their chosen field (Binder, Bagueley, Crook, and Miller, 2014). However, the strategies and institutional support contributing to high participation rates in quality internships remain inadequately understood.Internships are valuable for students’ resumes because they offer an immersive experience of work culture, design methods, and a range of professional environments. While academic coursework primarily focuses on core skill sets and theoretical knowledge, internships play a pivotal role in cultivating soft skills, fostering an understanding of professional expectations, and providing insights into the practical realities of the field. Internships bridge the gap between academic learning and professional expectations, equipping students with a holistic skill set for their future careers.The study focuses on three 4-year comprehensive universities in our country, aiming to assess the range of strategies employed by each institution in supporting their students in securing internships. The variables under scrutiny include the impact of institutional support structures, the maturity of the industrial design program, availability of mentorship programs, access to alumni in the field, prioritization of internships in the program, and level of faculty engagement. A mixed-methods approach was used in this research to evaluate the success of internship structures at the three institutions. Quantitative data was collected through a survey administered at three separate 4-year industrial design programs in our country, including current 2nd year, 3rd year, 4th year, and graduated students from the prior year (n=117). Qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured interviews of 9 students, representing 3 from each institution. These interviews focused on how institutions did or did not participate in students' search for an industrial design internship. This investigation serves as a model for subsequent research involving a broader range of institutions and internship experiences.
Situation Awareness in Crisis Management – A Case Study from the Arctic Region
Authors: Badu James , Elvegard Rune , Nazir Salman , Andreassen Natalia
Published: June 2024

As the traffic of nuclear-propelled vessels and vessels carrying nuclear cargo is increasing in the Norwegian Sea and the adjacent Arctic Sea, the potential for accidents near the coastal regions poses a significant risk of air and sea emissions. Eventually, it will have far-reaching consequences in Norway and its neighbouring countries if such an event occurs. Hence, effective coordination and communication among diverse organizations and stakeholders are required to prevent the escalation of emergency situations. Maintaining robust situation awareness (SA) to manage such crises is crucial. This presentation investigates a case study on maritime nuclear safety preparedness, where such a detailed scenario has developed. Participants from various stakeholders collaborate to analyse and handle this crisis. Utilizing questionnaires, we evaluate three levels of Situation Awareness and investigate how the background and expertise of such individuals influence situation awareness. Furthermore, we have provided some suggestions for maintaining good situation awareness in a given crisis management scenario.
Design of Intelligent Accompanying Playsets for ADHD Children under the Concept of STEAM Education
Authors: Zhai Cheng , Zhang Jie , Cao Tingting
Published: June 2024

Under the education model that promotes independent learning and growth, children's intelligent educational toys have attracted much attention. Purpose of the study ADHD is a common psychological disease that hinders the learning and growth of school-age children, and the current smart companion toys make it challenging to meet the needs of children and parents practically. First, the design principles are summarized based on the design and development process of smart toy market research. Then, we analyze the demand level and psychological level of the dual-user groups of the child-raiser user and the school-age child user sides and determine the classification of the demand attributes of the intelligent accompanying toys for children with ADHD. Finally, the content framework is designed, and the principle and debugging are carried out based on STEAM education. A new intelligent companion product that meets the physiological and psychological development characteristics of ADHD children and focuses on the needs of dual users is designed. The product design model is constructed and the design strategy is refined from theme setting, emotional interaction, and appearance shaping, which provides a reference for the design of intelligent companion toys for children with ADHD.
The Impact of AI image generator on Traditional Visual Learning: New Possibilities in English Language Learning
Authors: Liu Shuo-fang , Zhi Cheng Chen , Chieh Wu Yi , Yu Su An
Published: June 2024

English learning has always been a crucial topic in the global education sector. The advancement of technology has not only transformed the methods of learning but has also introduced new possibilities for English language acquisition. Traditionally, using images to enhance learners' memory of vocabulary has been an effective method. However, for some abstract words, conveying semantics remains a challenge. With the emergence of AI technology, particularly the application of AI drawing tools, we now have an innovative way to present words. It is anticipated that this approach will have a positive impact on English learning. This study is expected to adopt the concept mapping method combined with the affinity diagram approach. It will be systematically organized and analysed to select five abstract vocabulary terms related to English proficiency tests. Subsequently, AI drawing tools will be employed to generate corresponding images. Following this, a semi-structured interview approach will be utilized to gain an in-depth understanding of users' perspectives on the application of AI drawing tools in English learning and their actual impact on English learning outcomes. The goal of this research is not only to examine the possibility of AI drawing technology replacing traditional images to aid in the memorization of abstract words but also to focus on users' subjective feelings and opinions. We anticipate that the results of this study will provide more innovative and practical approaches to the field of English learning while enriching and expanding existing learning concepts.
Technology Affinity in the Nuclear Domain: An Initial Assessment of Operator Attitudes Towards Technology
Authors: Dickerson Kelly , Hildebrandt Michael , Hughes Niav , Watkins Heather , Grasso John , Wang Isaac , Gerhardstein Peter
Published: June 2024

Many nuclear power plants in the U.S. and worldwide are currently monitored and controlled via control rooms outfitted primarily with analog instrumentation and controls (I&C). Due to obsolescence issues with parts for analog I&C along with a desire to leverage efficiency gains associated with digital systems, there is an increasing focus on modernization activities for both safety and non-safety systems. Digital modernization can include the addition of digital instrumentation, sensors, and control systems; some that are visible to operators and some that are not. Operator-facing digital controls include the human system interface (HSI). The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is responsible for reviewing the safety of control room designs at nuclear power plants. Part of the NRC’s review process includes an assessment of how changes to control room HSIs impact usability and support safe operations. Safety and usability are often assessed from a workload, performance, and situation awareness perspective. Recent research into the factors that influence system evaluation found that users with high affinity for technology (i.e., a user with generally positive affect towards technology) perform differently on usability tests than users with less affinity towards technology. The present study had two aims: (1) to evaluate the potential usefulness of a recently developed affinity for technology interaction (ATI) survey for usability and human factors research in the nuclear domain and (2) to determine if affinity, as measured by the ATI, is related to perceived system usability and operator performance during simulated digital control room tasks. The first phase of the research was the collection of ATI data from students and a group of control room operators to establish potential baseline differences in technology affinity between populations. The second phase of the research was the collection of ATI and system usability survey (SUS) data from a small crew of operators to determine if there was an association between technology affinity and perceived system usability (assessed via the system usability survey [SUS]) during performance of simulated operational scenarios. The results are discussed in the context of how future regulatory guidance related to operator-facing digital systems may need to consider additional usability metrics as well as the broader safety implications for individual differences in technology affinity resulting in potentially biased usability ratings on scales like the SUS.
The Relevancy of Knowledge and the Knowledge of Relevancy: An Information Theory-Based Quantitative Methodology for Evaluating UI Design and Usability
Authors: Chong Lance
Published: June 2024

Usability evaluation has posed a complex challenge for several decades. Given its significance, there is a pressing need for fundamental theoretical advancements. This paper introduces a novel approach by formulating an information-theory-based methodology for the quantitative and more direct evaluation of user interface (UI) design and usability. The new methodologies fall under the umbrella of the new theoretical framework of Networked Two-way Communication Channels (NTCC). This framework can be seen as an extension of Claude Shannon’s original one-directional communication channel model, incorporating the user's active involvement in the interaction process. The NTCC model holds promise for mathematically modeling the mechanisms of user-to-UI interactions and providing more direct assessments of UI usability.
Evaluation of the Usability and Intuitiveness of a Teleoperated Forklift
Authors: Feiner Leonhard , Canzek Florian , Fottner Johannes
Published: June 2024

Forklifts are still one of the most popular transport vehicles in intralogistics. However, the number of inexperienced employees increases. Due to innovations in technologies like steer-by-wire and data transfer via Wi-Fi or 5G, teleoperated machines are constantly evolving. This possibility can solve many challenges in intralogistics. Still, there is also a risk that teleoperation reduces intuitiveness due to the lack of feedback from the machine's status, such as occurring accelerations. The paper presents a study to compare a teleoperation concept with a conventional forklift control concept. In the present study, no difference in perceived usability, stress load and intuitiveness could be determined. Both control concepts were rated with an SUS value of 80 for the conventional control and 74 for the teleoperated control in the range of "good" to "excellent". The raw NASA TLX and QUESI values showed promising results for both concepts.
Effects of different visual feedback mechanisms on eye-controlled interaction in a vibration environments
Authors: Ai Mingyu , Yang Xiaonan , Wang Shuai , Wei Wanni , Niu Hongwei , Fang Haonan
Published: June 2024

Eye-controlled interaction is a human-computer interaction technology that users can complete the interactive behavior by moving eyes to control equipment or devices, which has the advantages of human-centered, natural and direct. During the process of eye-controlled interaction, effective visual feedback mechanisms can help users accurately understand the operation process. A vital part of eye-controlled interaction is to confirm the user’s intent to select the target character, so it is important to study the effects of different visual feedback mechanisms under the selection task. However, there is a gap between lab environment and real-world application, that contain vibration environment. This study aimed to compare the performance of different visual feedback mechanisms in vibration environments. 20 participants are required to complete the selection task of time delay selection mechanism and selection sub-selection reconfirmation mechanism in three states: static, low vibration, and high vibration environments. The results indicate that the various visual feedback mechanisms have distinct impacts on selection accuracy. Regardless of the vibration environment, the accuracy of the time delay selection mechanism surpasses that of the selection sub-selection reconfirmation mechanism; Vibration exerts an adverse influence on visual fatigue, with more intense vibration leading to a shorter occurrence time of visual fatigue. The time delay selection mechanism is a widely favored visual feedback mechanism, offering a lower subjective workload.
A method for analyzing consumer behavior and evaluating marketing effectiveness of online websites based on multimodal data synchronization
Authors: Wu Ping , Zhao Qichao , Wang Qingju , Shi Lei , Fan Jieyun , Zhou Qian , Gao Ying , Li Han
Published: June 2024

A good interface design is crucial for improving user experience, user stickiness and marketing effectiveness in the marketing process of shopping websites. This study is based on subjective and objective multi-modal data synchronization technology, bio-electrical signal technology, eye tracking technology, etc. The aim of the study is to explore the impact of website interface design on website marketing effectiveness. Through researching the emotional experience and behavioral response characteristics of 35 participants who completed browsing and purchasing tasks on three shopping websites (A website, B website and C website), we predicted the effectiveness of website marketing. It was found that during the browsing task, participants displayed significantly higher value of EEG frequency domain indicator α when using A website than those when using B and C websites, and the subjective evaluation score of further attractiveness was significantly higher for website A than those for the other two websites. 62.86% of participants chose website A when executing purchase tasks. In order to predict the marketing effectiveness of the website, 18 sets of modal features were extracted, including photoelectric capacitance pulse wave signal, eye movement state signal, skin electric response signal and EEG signal. The outliers of each feature set were corrected through three-sigma rule, and the corrected features were used as input parameters. The CART decision tree model was used for training. Features were selected and decision trees were constructed based on the Gini impure index. This established a marketing effectiveness model with likes and dislikes as classification objectives.
An experiential study of digital interactive feedback for anxiety attention bias modification
Authors: Fang Di , Li Jin , Zhang Hanling
Published: June 2024

Attentional Bias Modification Training (ABMT) shows promise in digital therapy for anxiety. However, there's limited research on interactive feedback in ABMT for anxiety populations. This study examines ABMT's application in anxiety interventions, focusing on different interactive feedback effects on user experience, willingness to participate, and intervention outcomes. Using an emotional visual search task, the experiment comprised two parts: participants completed 100 trials with varied feedback, and their anxiety changes and eye-movement tendencies were recorded. In the second part, participants experienced each task 10 times, completed a user experience questionnaire, and underwent interviews. Results revealed ABMT's positive impact on anxiety. Combining avatar customization and points enhanced intervention effects, while points feedback alone was ineffective. Avatar customization or a combination of feedback methods led to a better participant experience. The study suggests points may increase stress, while customized images guide emotions positively, emphasizing interactive feedback's importance in digital interventions and offering insights for future development.
Heuristic Evaluation of Interactive Flat Panel for Interactive Teaching
Authors: Chien Yu-Hung
Published: June 2024

It is vital to give teachers interactive flat panels (IFPs) with well-designed applications for creating technology-mediated interactive instruction while making learning more attractive to students. We collaborated with BenQ to evaluate and identify potential usability issues of IFPs and suggested possible solutions that could best enhance current IFP-based interactive teaching. We recruited two college lecturers and 15 K 12 teachers as teaching experts to participate in a 54-h hands-on empowerment course to examine the usability of IFPs. We used the applications (Uni UI, EZWrite 6, and InstaShare 2) built in the BenQ 86' IFP to develop the interactive learning content for the course. Observation, user testing, and questionnaires were used in this study, and further analysis found 35 usability issues and solved them sequentially. The questionnaire data identified in-service technology teachers' perceptions of IFP-based interactive teaching, its impact on students, and the challenges experienced during implementation. The results showed that various improvements were required to promote IFP-based interactive education and prepare interactive teaching lessons. These findings will assist educational institutions worldwide in planning future educational technology policies and understanding teachers' needs to improve IFP-based interactive teaching.
Evaluation of Student Attitudes in Problem-Based Learning within Interdisciplinary Integrated Courses on User Interface Design
Authors: Huang Chieh-ju
Published: June 2024

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional approach that utilizes real-world scenarios to cultivate students' skills in inquiry, reasoning, and decision-making, ultimately enhancing their problem-solving capabilities and professional development. PBL is characterized by collaborative group learning, which deepens students' abilities to effectively identify and resolve issues. It also promotes teamwork skills and offers a framework for the development and evaluation of interdisciplinary curricula. In the context of this particular study, PBL is introduced within a user interface design course. The course encompasses diverse themes such as smart homes, digital learning, pandemic and life, audiovisual entertainment, and financial business. Current events are utilized as guiding principles for learning, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Students with various backgrounds, including design and technology, collaborate in a learner-centered approach with a focus on fostering creative problem-solving. Additionally, industry experts are involved to provide feedback and guidance to students, and user testing is employed to refine their work. The overall assessment of teaching effectiveness, utilizing statistical methods, indicates positive feedback with high reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.93). Notably, there is a notable difference in how PBL is perceived between students with design backgrounds and those with technology backgrounds, particularly regarding teamwork and information gathering skills. As a result, the students' work demonstrates improved creativity and the development of integrated interdisciplinary projects. This instructional approach empowers educators to comprehend and assess students' cognitive processes and attitudes, enabling them to offer personalized guidance and support. With PBL and a student-centered approach, it is well-suited for guiding students in both user experience and user interface design. In future curriculum planning, this approach can continue to be employed, leveraging the expertise of students from diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds to effectively address relevant topics and projects.
Optimizing Human-machine Interface Design through Information Transparency in Autonomous Driving Systems
Authors: Hou Yuhan , Deng Fenghui
Published: June 2024

With the development of autonomous driving technology, emerging functions and various services in vehicles are proliferating, and the information that drivers need to operate and master is also gradually increasing. The complexity of vehicle interaction information leads to the problem of difficult to understand and lack of trust in the in-vehicle human-machine interface (HMI). Transparency of the in-vehicle HMI refers to the extent to which users can access and understand the information and data in the vehicle operation and decision-making process. It not only enhances the mechanism of effective interaction between the driver and the in-vehicle HMI, but also serves as an important indicator for establishing the driver's trust in the self-driving vehicle. Therefore, this study firstly collated theoretical models related to information transparency. Afterwards, the information transparency levels were further analysed and sorted out through behavioural analysis experiments and interview evaluations. Finally, an information transparency hierarchy model for in-vehicle human-machine interface (HMI) is constructed, aiming to form an information transparency design standard for in-vehicle HMI. The model is used as a basis for design practice. The information transparency hierarchy model proposed in this study can effectively guide the design of information type and hierarchy of in-vehicle human-machine interface, significantly improve the driver's understanding of the vehicle system and the degree of trust, and provide a reliable solution to enhance the user's ability to grasp the vehicle's driving system, as well as provide a new methodology and ideas for the research of information transparency in the field of self-driving cars.
Usability Study on the User Interface of Arts and Culture Activity Platforms
Authors: Hsueh Chiaho , Chen Chien-Hsiung
Published: June 2024

Cultural and artistic activities are thriving, and leisurely exploration of events has become a habit and a popular trend for many citizens around the world. According to the 2021 Taiwan Cultural Content Consumption Trends Survey by the National Academy for Educational Research, approximately 30% of the population participated in performing arts events in the past year, with the average number of exhibition visits on the rise. However, the current content on various cultural platforms is complex and lacks organization, making it difficult for users to find what they need and thus resulting in a poor user experience. Among these factors, the usability of the platform interface in accordance with user experience is a crucial key. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to enhance the user experience of cultural activity platforms to increase participation in events. The study will propose improvements and suggestions for information architecture pertinent to user interface design based on experimental results that align with user experience.In this research study, experiments were conducted to help analyze the information architecture and functionality of three existing cultural activity platforms. Smartphones were used as experimental devices, and a usability experiment design for task operations was implemented. The study also involved observing and recording participants' operational behaviors and task performances. Finally, the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Questionnaire for User Interaction Satisfaction (QUIS) were also employed, along with semi-structured interviews, to help understand the strengths and weaknesses of the cultural activity inquiry system and to derive conclusions and recommendations.The results and recommendations of this study are as follows: (1) It is important to provide operation methods that align with users' mental models. (2) The platform's information architecture should be designed with shallow layers as well as a clear and concise hierarchical structure. (3) The design consistence regarding colors, icons and buttons should be maintained during the operation process. (4) It is necessary to optimize the site-wide search by providing visible and meaningful icons, enabling users to quickly locate information. (5) It is vital to provide clear and understandable feedback strategies to enhance the pleasure of user interactions.
A Human Factors Study on the Interface Structure Design of AR-HUD for Small Vessel
Authors: Yoo Seunghun , Kang Hahyun , Kim Chanjong , Park Junhong , Nah Ken
Published: June 2024

Maritime collisions involving small vessels are common due to failures in recognizing other vessels, posing safety risks and economic losses. This study proposes a human factors- based augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD) interface design tailored for enhancing small vessel navigation and situation awareness. Unlike existing auditory solutions, the AR- HUD integrates real and virtual navigational information through graphics prioritizing rapid recognition, color-coding following ISO safety guidelines, and a layout utilizing horizon- based zoning with a central field-of-view focused on essential user vessel and other vessel data. Developed by reviewing prior AR and HUD research and analyzing navigation software products, this intuitive, prioritized information presentation aims to minimize cognitive errors for operators, enhance operational safety, reduce collisions and pollution, while providing a foundation for further maritime AR-HUD research.
Light-based external Human-Machine Interfaces: The effect of animation
Authors: Park Gyuhee , Hwa Hong Yu , Jung Suhwan , Gu Ji Yong
Published: June 2024

As the development of autonomous driving vehicle technology accelerates, the necessity for effective communication between autonomous vehicles and other road users is increasingly emphasized. To this end, usability research using various design factors of the proposed external Human-Machine Interfaces (eHMIs) is progressing rapidly. This study specifically focuses on Light-based eHMIs which have fewer cultural/environmental constraints and allow for faster information transmission. As well as we aim to investigate the effects of various animation types applied to Light-based eHMIs. Conducted with a total of 40 participants, we employed survey and interview methods to understand the impact between Light-based eHMIs and pedestrian behavior. The study utilized four types of animations (i.e., Sweeping (Dual), Scale Up-down (Dual), Flickering, Pulsing), along with two AV-First messages (i.e., Walk, Braking), and two Pedestrian-First messages (i.e., Don’t Walk, Driving). Participants evaluated the animations subjectively on aspects of Intuitiveness, Distraction, Variance, Perceived Safety, Trust, Satisfaction, and Preference. Additionally, the interview was conducted regarding the preference evaluation results. The analysis methods included ANOVA for survey results and Semantic Network Analysis (SNA) of affective vocabulary in interview transcripts. The findings indicated that the Flickering animation was significantly higher in Perceived Safety, Trust, and Satisfaction, and to some extent, the Sweeping Animation also showed positive outcomes from pedestrians. Through network analysis, positive/negative vocabulary for each animation was visualized and the eHMIs design direction was explored accordingly. The outcomes of this study could serve as foundational data contributing to the establishment of a safer and more efficient road traffic environment in the era of autonomous driving.
Optimizing Chip Assembly in Laboratories: The Influence of Indicator Color and Lighting on User Experience
Authors: Han Haocheng , Liu Yuanyuan , Haibo Lu , Meng Han
Published: June 2024

Achieving high precision and efficiency is pivotal in a laboratory environment to ensure the seamless progression of experiments. This study delves into the realm of laboratory user experience, focusing on chip assembly in typical lab setting. Our objective is to unravel the effects of varying assembly point indicator colors and lighting conditions on user productivity and comfort. A total of 28 participants were recruited and divided into two groups. One group worked with assembly points that had green edges, while the other worked without this color cue. We explored eight distinct hues (black, white, red, yellow, blue, green, purple, cyan) as variables. After receiving training in chip assembly, participants were tasked with completing eight chip assembly tasks independently and rating their comfort level following each task. An eye tracker measured the time taken to complete each assembly. The data revealed that, except for black (target point without color, average completion time of 3.56s), the completion times for the other seven hues ranged between 2.6s to 2.8s. This implies that while indicator colors under 2000lux lighting boost identification efficiency, the specific hue of these indicators has no significant effect on assembly efficiency. In terms of user comfort ratings, the presence of green color at the assembly point’s edge made the green the most comfortable color, with white ranking third. In the absence of green edges, green fell to sixth in comfort, yet white consistently remained in third place. Other colors did not show significant pattern in comfort scores. This indicates that user comfort is more closely related to the inherent color of the product and the assembly point indicators. The impact of color around the assembly point on user comfort is minimized when white is used as the indicator color.This study provides valuable insights into the influence of lighting and indicator colors on efficiency and comfort in a laboratory setting, contributing to the design of future laboratory products for enhanced user experience and efficiency
Exploring the optimal proportion range of gesture input keyboard in virtual reality based on human factors engineering
Authors: Sun Furui , Liu Wanzheng , Sun Huiran , Chen Yun
Published: June 2024

With the rapid development of virtual reality ( VR ) technology, reducing users ' fatigue and cognitive load has become the focus of future attention in this field. At the same time, in virtual interaction, the quality of information input is directly related to the overall experience of users. However, at present, users are facing challenges such as low efficiency and poor experience when wearing head-mounted display ( HMD ) and using gesture recognition for game or text input for interactive experience. We hope to improve this situation through research. This study takes the Chinese youth group as the main research object, reveals the deep-seated causes of the problem through in-depth analysis of the existing VR keyboard and gesture input methods, and seeks solutions through experimental methods. The data comes from the selected youth group wearing the Oculus Quest 2 head-mounted display, and the experiment of finger kneading typing input in the virtual space, and then the heat map technology is used to accurately process and analyze the data to determine the best keyboard length-width ratio and pixel range. By comparing the experimental data, the research conclusion clearly shows the significant advantages of the optimized virtual keyboard compared with the gesture recognition method.In terms of research significance, this study not only provides new insights for the academic community by optimizing virtual keyboard design, but also lays a solid foundation for improving user experience and promoting the wide application of virtual reality technology. It is expected to become an important reference in the field of virtual reality technology in the future.