Figure 1: Motion capture tags, accelerometer sensors layout and game setup.

What if the future of assistive technology isn’t built in labs, but by our memories of science fiction? Departing from traditional design fiction approaches that rely on curated prompts, we asked non-expert designers to prototype low-fidelity assistive systems for planetary settlements based on their own remembered cultural references. Across two workshops (n = 21) and a group interview (n = 5), participants prepared prototypes. Reflexive thematic analysis of their designs revealed five core themes: cultural templates as design scaffolds, speculative mobility logics, affective support, ethical concerns around system autonomy, and adaptive technologies responsive to alien conditions. These findings suggest that science fiction serves as aesthetic inspiration and an embedded framework. We argue that cultural memory can surface user expectations of assistive agents, informing the design of future human-agent interactions.

Educational robots like Photon are increasingly used in early childhood education, yet the role of specific interaction modalities in shaping engagement remains underexplored. This work-in-progress pilot study tests both the research method and the suitability of task designs in this context. We examine how sound, visual, and touch interactions affect engagement among 5–6-year-old children during group tasks with the Photon robot. In three activities–Animal Sounds (auditory), Color Recognition (visual), and Math Operations (tactile)–we collected engagement data using the Leuven Involvement Scale, Classroom Engagement Scale, and qualitative notes. Results show that sound-based interaction led to higher emotional and cognitive engagement than tactile interaction. These modalities also shaped distinct patterns of collaboration and attention. Future work will scale to a broader sample and use educational robot interactions tailored to early learners.

We present a novel multisensory interactive system that integrates mid-air haptic feedback with ocean-themed visual media to foster sustainability awareness. Using focused ultrasound, the system allows users to ”feel” environmental phenomena such as waves, coral reefs, and pollution without wearing devices or touching surfaces. Designed for deployment in public and mobile contexts such as exhibitions, science centers, and mixed-reality installations, the system demonstrates how contactless haptics can extend emotional engagement with environmental issues beyond traditional media. A preliminary study with ten participants showed that mid-air haptics amplified emotional responses and strengthened intentions toward pro-environmental action. This work contributes to mobile and ubiquitous interaction research by exploring how multisensory feedback can make abstract sustainability challenges more tangible and engaging in everyday contexts.

Mid-air haptic technology enables touchless interaction through focused ultrasound and holds promise for inclusive design in mobile and ubiquitous multimedia systems. However, accessibility aspects remain largely unexplored. This poster introduces an accessibility-centered framework for mid-air haptic interaction, building on prior reviews of user experience and technical design. We systematically analyzed 42 studies published between 2014 and 2024 and conducted twelve expert interviews, including accessibility specialists and a visually impaired participant. The analysis highlights three main challenges: low stimulus clarity, limited multimodal feedback, and insufficient personalization. Our proposed framework addresses these gaps through four design dimensions—perceptual optimization, multimodal integration, spatial configuration, and individual calibration. By integrating literature and expert insights, this work advances a structured foundation for accessible mid-air haptic systems and identifies future research directions toward inclusive, touchless interaction in mobile, public, and mixed-reality contexts.

This paper investigates the interpretive processes within interactive art, focusing on post-participation interviews from an immersive installation featuring a mirror that displayed a previous participant instead of the viewer. The study, conducted through semi-structured interviews, explores how participants interpret and construct personal meaning from their engagement with the artwork. Thematic analysis revealed key areas of interest present thorough the participants’ responses. Additionally, participants found metaphorical discussions more insightful than titles in framing meaning. The findings are analyzed through a framework for the psychology of aesthetics, offering new insights into participant experience in interactive art.

Assistive technologies are vital for individuals with physical limitations, and understanding the diverse impact of physical pain is crucial for designing effective assistive robotic solutions. Through an iterative study, we aim to develop comprehensive design recommendations that cover personalization, concealment, compatibility, ease of use, preventive measures, skin-friendliness, affordability, adaptability, and multimodal features. These recommendations prioritize user experience and acceptance, ultimately contributing to innovative and user-centric assistive robotic technologies.