Running and jogging are popular activities for many visually impaired individuals thanks to the relatively low entry barriers. Research in HCI and beyond has focused primarily on leveraging technology to enable visually impaired people to run independently. However, depending on their residual vision and personal preferences, many chose to run with a sighted guide. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the partnership between visually impaired runners and sighted guides. Using a combination of interaction and thematic analysis on video and interview data from 6 pairs of runners and guides, we unpack the complexity and directionality of three layers of vocal communication (directive, contextual, and recreational) and distinguish between intentional and unintentional corporeal communication. Building on the understanding of the importance of synchrony we also present some exploratory data looking at physiological synchrony between 2 pairs of runners with different level of experience and articulate recommendations for the HCI community.

Ethereal Phenomena is an interactive installation in which a user meditates in front of a digital illustration based on Tibetan thangka art that reacts to the way they breathe. The biofeedback of the breath makes the artwork an extension of the user’s body and a reflection of their mind. By combining art, sound, and biofeedback, Ethereal Phenomena becomes a unique meditative experience that aims at producing physical and mental wellness and that has the potential to induce a state of self-transcendence or pure consciousness.

We present our first steps towards an umbrella-based novel multimedia platform using physiological data as an integrated feedback loop. In this paper, we demonstrate the viability of using an umbrella handle as a form factor to measure electrodermal activity(EDA) and heart rate(HR) in real-time. We compared the performance of the device with that of a more conventional finger sensor placement. Although the finger sensor placement is more widespread and considered to be more reliable, yet we are able to derive meaningful data from the umbrella handle in both stationary and dynamic contexts in the presented feasibility study.