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National Projects

Ongoing

Completed (selected)

The following projects are selected examples chosen from about 150 research and usability testing projects that CURE has carried out within the last years. (The projects are listed in alphabetical order.)

ELVIS – BenutzerInnenerlebnisse bei der Verwendung von Verkehrs(informations)systemen

2010 – 2011

Elvis deals with the exploration of User Experience factors and psychosocial barriers during the usage of traffic and transport systems as well as in the area of traffic and transport information systems. Further the project aims to define an indicator to describe user groups of traffic and transport (information) systems called “perception of traffic and transport (information) systems”. Finally another result is a set of guidelines indicating how information systems are able to diminish or overcome physical mobility barriers.

CURE is the coordinator of this project and will carry out field trials with user groups equipped with self-recording tools that allow them to record positive and negative facts occurring to them during the time of the trial. The result is a collection of positive and negative experience factors and psychosocial barriers. Relevant context factors (moment of decision) and personalization factors of traffic and transport information are also identified within the field trials.

Project Partners:
FLUIDTIME
ÖZIV (Österreichischer Zivilinvalidenverband)
ICT&S Center, Universität Salzburg
 

C2G – Consumer2Grid

2010 – 2012

C2G deals with energy-feedback in households with the focus on the consumer. Within this project we deal with the question how information about potential energy savings is best presented to the consumer in order to reduce energy consumption in a smart-grid. Additionally we are interested how, when and what kind of energy feedback residents need considering socio-demographic and cultural backgrounds. Therefore we develop energy-feedback strategies and tools and finally compare them in a one-year field trial. The aim is to detect the most resource effective energy feedback methods for the human-in-the-loop in smart grid environments.

Within C2G CURE’s role includes framing human-centered requirements for energy-feedback tools, interaction and communication design for the tools and trial design as well as preparation, realization and analyzing the collected data. CURE’s main aim is to invent persuasive tools for a sustainable high living standard.

Project Partners:
- Salzburg AG
- Salzburg Wohnbau GmbH
- Technische Universität Wien - Institut für Computertechnologie (ICT)
- Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) – Energy Department

PEEM – Persuasive End-User Energy Management

2010 – 2012

The PEEM project carries out research on new strategies and tools providing energy related feedback to the costumer in a persuasive and unobtrusive way in the home context. CURE aims to detect, if those tools have the potential to reduce energy consumption without loss of comfort for the users. Tailored persuasive approaches overcoming limitations of existing solutions will be developed, prototyped and experimentally validated in realistic long-term settings.

CURE contributes to the project in the field of human-computer interaction in defining requirements for the prototype. Furthermore CURE’s goal is to develop persuasive ambient strategies for energy efficiency. Those strategies will be applied in a persuasive home display, where CURE is also included in the designing process. CURE evaluates the developed prototype by designing and preparing a three month experiment.

Project Partners:
- ICT&S Information and Communication Technologies and Society, University of Salzburg
- Salzburg AG

AID - Interactive Awareness Displays for Elderly People

2009 – 2010

AID’s project aim is to develop a communication terminal for elderly people using a touchscreen interface to facilitate access to communication services. AID displays are placed in the home environment of the target group and are designed to stimulate communication to relatives and friends. AID integrates text messages, email, and display to display communication as well as information services.

CURE gathers specific user requirements in collaboration with representatives of the target group,
relatives and „Daseinsvorsorger“ (professional health carers). On the basis of defined user needs detailed applications, service and interface concepts are designed by CURE. Those concepts are evaluated and tested by end-users at the beginning, throughout and at the end of the development and implementation phase. An AID prototype will be used by elderly people and relatives in a real living environment.

Project Partners:
- Telekom Austria AG
- Forschungsinstitut des Roten Kreuzes
- Usecon

SHARE_Personas

2010 – 2011

The aim of the SHARE_PERSONAs project is to generate a set of Senior “PERSONAs” on the basis of the “Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe” (SHARE) Database. “PERSONAs” is a method in the realm of human computer interaction and is used in the development phase of IT products and PERSONAs help to bridge the gap between target group and developers. The increased understanding of the target population supports developers to address user requirements more effectively and more efficiently resulting in better ICT solutions.

CURE coordinates this project and will be responsible for reviewing user requirements phases/deliverables of international and national projects. CURE will also evaluate text components with engineers and designers to secure the understandability of the produced text components. Inclusion criteria for evaluation participants will be set in order to guarantee data security of the SHARE database.

Partner:
Vienna Institute of Demography

AIR – Advanced Interface Research

2010 - 2013

The goal of the project AIR “Advanced Interface Research” is to explore new ways of interaction with interactive systems in real-world scenarios, looking into the very specifics of the interaction contexts in these scenarios. Current and emerging interaction techniques are investigated in order to enhance the usability, user experience, accessibility, and the overall quality of products and delivered services. User-driven innovation approaches are developed and defined to reach these goals.

Within this project CURE will be especially involved in the three main contexts in which end-users interactions with technology are investigated in detail: (i) context home and extended home, (ii) context mobility, and (iii) context advanced service interactions. In order to reach these goals, tools for intelligent context measurement and a modular management platform for Living Lab research will be investigated and developed.
 
Partners:
EMPORIA
Graz AG – Stadtwerke für kommunale Dienste – Verkehrsbetriebe GVB
KEBA AG
MOBILKOM AUSTRIA GMBH
Ovos media consulting gmbh
PL.O.T EDV Planungs- und HandelsgesmbH
Skidata AG
Musterhotel GmbH
ICT&S Center, University of Salzburg
FH OÖ Entwicklungs GmbH
NOLDUS information technology BV (NL)

 

MARIA - Mobile Assistenz für barrierefreien Öffentlichen Verkehr von SenioRInnen, MigrantInnen und AnalphabetInnen

2010 – 2012

MARIA aims to develop a mobile service assisting people with deficiencies in reading and understanding written text in German. MARIA will enable elderly people, illiterates and immigrants without language knowledge to use public transport more efficiently and will increase their subjective feeling of self-efficacy on their journeys. The main technical innovations of Maria include image based text recognition and translation, location awareness and mobile speech recognition.

CURE’s the main focus lies on the investigation of user requirements in everyday mobility of social groups with reduced abilities, as well as the design and iterative testing of MARIA’s prototypes. In particular CURE will investigate innovative prototype methods such as “Wizard of Oz Prototyping” for the early evaluation of MARIA’s services and tools.

Partner:
JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsges.mbH (Coordinator)
c.c.com Andersen & Moser
Grazer Stadtwerke
GEFAS Steiermark
Verein Danaida
Mentz Datenverarbeitung Austria GmbH

LookAt

A key issue in Human-Computer Interfaces is to model the situated awareness of the user and to estimate the semantic information captured from the immediate environment. Determining the human focus of attention is crucial by pointing to the information of interest, associating user activity to a spatial and task based context. The objective of LOOKAT is to develop towards a computational model of human attention from credible data that is received directly from human selective capture of multi-sensory information. Basic research will be focused on the outline of a novel framework on extraction of the focus of attention by (i) determining the exact viewing direction and (ii) capturing the semantic content of pedestrians while performing their task in urban environment scenarios. Two pilot studies towards the implementation of application specific prototypes will be performed using mobile eye trackers that extract human awareness about the urban environment. Semantic mapping is achieved from the developed technologies of automated object detection and recogniton from eye gaze on video, and by mobile sensing about user location and head direction for content selection from georeferenced map features.

Perseud

Persuasive Computing or Captology is a new field of research exploring how technology can change attitudes and behaviours. The goal of PERSEUD project is to integrate findings of two research disciplines: social psychology and persuasive computing. In the framework of PERSEUD, persuasive software components are developed according to specific needs of programmers as well as implemented and tested in a programming environment. The aim is to enhance programmer’s awareness on the users and usability issues both in short and long term. In addition CURE developed and evaluated a new method of measuring persuasion.
For further information see the separate Perseud Website (in german)

IANUS

The goal of IANUS is to better understand information reception and information usage under stress. The results are used to improve existing guidelines of control systems in the area of public transportation to reduce the stress of the passengers and increase information perception. In the project, the influence of stress is investigated in relation to public transportation. As part of the project consortium, CURE´s role is to track eye-movement behavior as well as psychophysiological measures in laboratory experiments and field trials in order to analyze the stress level of the participants. The data are evaluated in collaboration with our project partners with respect to correlations between stress level and information reception.

Softnet

Softnet is a competence network which aims for the close co-operation between industry and science in software development projects. Softnet will discover and establish synergies for the benefit of the Austrian software producing industry and for its standing within the European and worldwide competition.

CURE is involved in two of Softnet’s subprojects:

1. Mobile Multimedia Replayer: Agile software development methods shall be applied for the development of a mobile multimedia replayer for mobile content. The system will enable the user to search for and to play multimedia content inside a mobile context. The main research question is the integration of usability engineering and agile software development.

2. Industrial User Intrerfaces: The goal of this subproject is the analysis of the user interface development processes in very different domains (mobile applications, content management, exhaust gas measuring). Among other outcomes this subproject will develop a framework for the measurement of the usability-maturity of an organisation, a prototyping environment for mobile application and devices and a styleguide for knowledge management systems

 

T4A – Ticket for All

2008 – 2010

The "ticket4all” (T4A) project focuses on the improvement and universal design of information services and communications components. The project concentrates on creating and designing web and online services for the Internet ticketing sector. T4A addresses people with special needs (cognitively and physically impaired) as well as the elderly target group. The user groups can have different physical and cognitive abilities that impede their use of modern media (Internet technologies) and can hinder their access to relevant information. An interdisciplinary approach and consideration of their needs from a user point of view is a new approach to finding solutions for the improvement of user handling.

Cure reflects the concentrated user-focus in an iterative process in which user and access problems are identified and corrected during field and laboratory tests. The identified problems are adapted within the framework of the project.

Project Partners:
ÖBB Personenverkehr AG
Create - Mediadesign GmbH
PL.O.T EDV - Planungs- und Handels GesmbH
verkehrspuls -Technisches Büro für Verkehrsplanung

Avatars@Home

2009

This study aimed to generate new knowledge about the effects of using photo-realistic avatars
used as part of the user interfaces for Ambient Assisted Living environments.

Within this project Cure performed a usability study using the “Wizard of Oz” technique and an evaluation of the acceptance, likability and applicability with users at the age of 60-75 with and without diagnose of Mild Cognitive Impairment.  brought qualitative and quantitative data
to make smart home environments more usable and accepted by the target group.

Results show that faces on the graphical user interfaces were favoured by both target groups (elderly with and without cognitive impairment). However, users' performance on executing tasks did not differ much between the different presentation modes. It was observed that people with Mild Cognitive Impairment had a better performance for the avatar and the text interface. Maybe a combination of those two modalities could be a promising way of designing the user interface for assistive technology devices and services for this user group.

Project Partners:
Austrian Research Centers GmbH (Coordinator)

INFLOW - Informationsflüsse ohne Widerstände

The goal of INFLOW is to reveal barriers and breaks in the continuity of the information chain during the use of Austrian railways. This will be achieved by following activities:

  • Requirements analysis of a user-oriented information-chain
  • Description of the information-needs of the relevant user groups
  • Analysis of the information channels that are available to the passengers
  • Identification of those technologies that are not in line with the identified user needs
  • Development of a package of measures leading to customer centred systems

INFLOW will evaluate the usability of the information provided and of the information-channels and –media. These information channels include WAP- and web-portals but also ticket machines.
The systems’ usability will be analysed both user- and expert-based. The project will also investigate the systems’ accessibility for persons with special needs
An expert based workshop will be conducted to close the project. At this workshop the project’s results will be discussed with national and international experts. The results of this workshop are the final input for the package of measures, which is the main result of INFLOW.
The package of measures will be provided with the project’s final deliverable. This deliverable summarises the project’s results and provides a weighting of the identified problems. The catalogue of measures and guidelines considers also the suggestions’ applicability and the costs of their implementation.

Cognitive Vision

Goal of the project is to develop a computer vision system that not only can find things, but that can understand the relationship between the human activities and objects involved. This understanding of new information and new knowledge is the key aspect of the cognitive approach to computer vision. The techniques devised will be implemented in prototype systems.

CUREs role within the project was to

  1. define scenarios with increasing complexity to identify research challenges and application requirements
  2. evaluate the developed concepts and prototypes
  3. study user experience and design aspects for the application of cognitive vision systems

LIVES - Driver Interaction with in-vehicle telematic systems (LenkerInnenInteraktion mit Verkehrstelematischen Systemen)

Developments in the car-sector led to an increase of devices that all aim to reduce the driver workload, e.g. advanced cruise control, and to warn the driver for potential dangers. When these devices are combined in one car, this might cause unexpected situations and actually increase the workload of the driver instead of decrease it and might lead to dangerous situations. It is therefore important to seek a solution for the increasing amount of information that these systems convey to the driver. This was the goal of the LIVES project: to develop guidelines for optimizing the (combined) interfaces of advanced in-car devices. In simulator experiments, the optimal communication with drivers was empirically tested in the visual, auditory and haptic modalities to find out when and how information from advanced in-car systems should be presented to the driver.
For further information see the separate LIVES Website (in german)

NETZWERK ZIELLEITUNG

developed a prototype that enabled travellers to find their way at airports, railway stations and other frequently visited junctions. The system is completely handsfree. It is speech operated and provides spoken guidance. The system was based on the analysis of travellers’ traffic flows. CURE conducted the user analysis including eye tracking studies and other user driven methods. In addition CURE ensured that the system was developed in iterative circles including prototyping, test and redesign phases. The tests of the prototypes were conducted at CURE’s user experience labs and in the field.

SESUN - Sino European Systems Usability Network

SESUN enabled Europe and China to collaborate in the design of usable IT and communication systems. In addition to large-scale information systems, SESUN addressed mobile applications, consumer products, and personal and ubiquitous technologies.

CURE's role within SESUN was to co-ordinate the co-operation with UsabilityNet, a project funded by the European Union, to promote usability and user centered design, provide usability resources and networking support.

Akzeptanz von interaktiven TV-Applikationen

This project showed the potentials and drawbacks of interactive television. This relatively new medium was studied from different viewpoints. The overall goal was the analysis of its differences to other media. Especially the factors influencing its acceptance among different user groups and its user experience was explored. In addition new methods and techniques to measure and analyse the different dimensions of the concept of user experience were evaluated.

Austrocontrol - e-Learning Cost Benefit Analysis

The training duties of the academy of the Austrian Airtraffic Control Agency are highly complicated. The high number and variety of courses, the combination of theoretical as well as practical courses and the required intense personal coaching form a complex context for the necessary high quality training. Seeking ways to optimize training from the quality and cost perspective, CURE carried out a cost benefit analysis on e-learning. A complex scheme and tool was developed which enabled the calculation (e.g. direct costs, human and other resources) of various e-Learning scenarios. Also further European developments of the ATC market as well as Austrian specifics (e.g. collective contracts) were considered.

Austronaut - Usability Test & Banner Evaluation

In order to enhance the provided service of the Austrian search engine Austronaut, CURE carried out a tailored usability test, including intense eyetracking studies to observe the users' perception of banners and specially featured categories. The test resulted in concrete redesign requirements. After conducting the required changes the quality of the site and the satisfaction of the user increased measurably (as proofed by Austronaut's log files).

BORIS – Benutzerorientiertes Reiseinformationssystem

Subject of this study was a user centred analysis of travelling, travellers and travel contexts. The goals of BORIS were to identify user groups and their demands for information in their specific contexts of travelling, and to evaluate different kinds of media and ways of visualisation. We achieved these goals using innovative prototyping and design methods.

As a result, four user groups were identified (e.g. business travellers, leisure travellers, commuters), detailed information requirements, categorized by user groups and means of transport, were specified and personalisation concepts for travel information systems were developed. Apart from standard travel information, security, comfort and information on the experience value was found to be of great value for the users.

For further information see the separate BORIS Website (in german)

Feasability Study of Multimodal Interfaces

On behalf of the Federal Ministry for traffic, innovation and technology (BMVIT) CURE (center for Usability Research & engineering) in co-operation with ARC Seibersdorf research, division information technologies, conducted a feasibility study on the application of multimodal interfaces. The study comprised the following aspects:

  • Identification of user needs
  • Description of valueable application scenarios
  • Identification of interests of the austrian industry in the area
  • Analysis of R&D-activities in Austria
  • Estimation of economical aspects

Frequentis Co-operate User Interface Style Guide and Look & Feel

The aim of this project was to make the systems (user interfaces) of the Frequentis unique, identifiable and highly usable. Another intention was to decrease user interface design resources through co-operative (world-wide) usage of an electronic style guide (intranet solution). The styleguide should also support the reuse of already developed and designed applications. The guidelines covered classical GUIs, web-based applications and touch panels. The look & feel and the style guide had to be highly flexible in order to enable individual designs for each client, while still keeping Frequentis' corporate identity. To fulfil all these requirements, CURE developed a highly adaptable style guide and intranet solution.

OEBB - Usability Test and Style Guide

The Austrian railway company (section "Traktion") internally develops numerous applications, which support their daily work. CURE developed an user interface styleguide that increased the overall quality of these programmes and that minimized the documentation and communication needs. The style guide includes all necessary features, logic, visualizations and guidelines to develop consistent, platform conform and usable applications. A prior usability test on a representative application served as valuable input for the style guide.

Online Supermarkets - Usability Assessment and Rating

For the Arbeiterkammer, Abteilung Konsumentenschutz (Austrian Chamber of Labour, Department of Consumer Policy) CURE assessed numerous well known Austrian Online Supermarkets. Usability reviews were conducted following an objective rating scheme. Together with other criteria this assessment lead to an overall quality judgement of the sites.

SDOF Semantic Depth of Fields - Information Visualization Experiment

This research project was conducted in co-operation with the VRVis Research Center (Vienna) and with the Vienna University of Technology. Semantic Depth of Fields (SDOF) - a focus & context technique that uses selective blur to make less important objects less prominent and thus point out the more relevant parts of the display to the user - has been explored. The project is based on the depth of field (DOF) effect known from photography and cinematography, which depicts objects sharply or blurred depending on their distance from the lens. The experiments dealt with preattentative reception within the first 200 ms.