STUDIOS

Studios have always played a major role in TEI conferences, and we want this year to be no different. Six unique Studios at TEI 2023 will provide new and enriching perspectives on the field of tangible, embedded, and embodied interaction by combining the hands-on with the academic. All Studios are one-day and will take place at the University of Warsaw Library (BUW) on Sunday, Feb 26, 2023. The exact timing and planning of each Studio will be decided by its organizers, and shared below. For most Studios, you can simply sign up when registering for the conference, though some Studios require participant submissions. See the Studio descriptions to learn more.

Overview

Studio 1: Designing Interactions with Kombucha SCOBY

Organized by: Fiona Bell, Derrek chow, Eldy S. Lazaro Vasquez, Laura Devendorf, Mirela Alistar

Max. participants number: 20

Duration: 09:00 - 13:00

Location: Space BUW 097 I

Studio Website: https://sites.google.com/colorado.edu/scoby-studio/home
Abstract: The goal of this studio is to facilitate a space in which HCI researchers and designers can explore SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), a sustainable biofilm, grown in kombucha tea, that acts similarly to traditional leathers when harvested and dried. While SCOBY is a popular biomaterial in biodesign and DIYBio practices, we aim to introduce SCOBY as a biomaterial for HCI and ground it in sustainable HCI and slow design theory. Participants will then gain hands-on experience with SCOBY through a material exploration phase (e.i., learning how to embed colors, patterns, and electronics) followed by a structured SCOBY application creation phase. Ultimately, the goal of this studio is to give HCI practitioners who are interested in biodesign a space and time to collaborate, create and discuss the opportunities and challenges of kombucha SCOBY as a biomaterial for HCI.

Studio 2: When Realities Interweave: Exploring the Design Space of Immersive Tangible XR

Organized by: Jakob Carl Uhl, Helmut Schrom-Feiertag, Georg Regal, Linda Hirsch, Yannick Weiss, Manfred Tscheligi

Duration: 09:00 - 17:00

Location: Space BUW 316

Website: https://tei23-studio.tech-experience.at/

Abstract: Tangible devices and interaction in Extended Reality (XR) increase immersion and enable users to perform tasks more intuitively, accurately and joyfully across the reality-virtuality continuum. Upon reviewing the literature, we noticed no clear trend for a publication venue, as well as no standard in evaluating the effects of tangible XR. To position the topic of tangible XR in the TEI community, we propose a hands-on studio, where participants will bring in their own ideas for tangible XR from their application fields, and develop prototypes with the cutting-edge technology and a selection of virtual assets provided. Additionally, we will collectively reflect upon evaluation methods on tangible XR, and aim to find a consensus of a core evaluation suite. With this, we aim to foster a practical understanding and spark new developments in tangible XR and its use cases within the TEI community.

Studio 3: Designing for Haptic and Embodied Interaction with Feelix

Organized by: Anke van Oosterhout, Miguel Bruns, Eve Hoggan

Duration: 09:30 - 17:00

Location: Space BUW 254

Studio Website: studio.feelix.xyz

Abstract: Force feedback and shape change praovide unique interaction qualities that can be favourable for the design of more intelligent physical user interfaces, as communication revolves to a large extent around body language and gestures. Currently, there is a dearth of design tools which are needed to accelerate exploration of the design space of haptic and shape change in user interfaces, given the challenges associated with the haptic modality and the expertise that is required for the development of such interfaces. Design tools have the potential to improve the accessibility of these modalities as design material within HCI and facilitate exploration of the design space. In this studio, we will use the design tool Feelix to explore possibilities and opportunities for force feedback and shape change in actuated interfaces.

Studio 4: Hands-On 3D Printed Electronics

Organized by: Julian Rasch, Florian Müller, Thomas Kosch, Martin Schmitz, Sebastian Feger

Duration: 09:30 - 17:00

Location: Space BUW 097 II

Studio website: https://www.hcilab.org/3dprintedelectronics/tei23-studio/

Abstract: The parallel improvements in multi-material 3D printers and the quality of conductive filament open new possibilities for the fabrication of tangible and functional objects. In this studio, we discuss best practices for 3D printed electronics, talk about encountered problems, and derive design recommendations. We will guide the participants through a fabrication process by practically designing and printing objects. Consequently, we contemplate individual functional fabricated components, including small printed circuits and multi-material prints. We aim to spark a discussion about individually experienced challenges participants encountered during their design and fabrication process. This discussion includes problem-solving strategies, whose insights benefit other participants. Finally, we show the potential of printed electronics and discuss encouraging new opportunities in this field.

Studio 5: Being Meaningful: Weaving Soma-Reflective Technological Mediations into the Fabric of Daily Life

Organized by: Alice C. Haynes, Courtney N. Reed, Charlotte Nordmoen, Sophie Skach

Duration: 09:00 - 17:00

Location: Space BUW 315

Studio Website: https://meaningfuldesign.github.io/

Abstract: A one-size-fits-all design mentality, rooted in objective efficiency, is ubiquitous in our mass-production society. This can negate peoples' experiences, bodies, and narratives. Ongoing HCI research proposes design for meaningful relations; but for many researchers, the practical implementation of these philosophies remains somewhat intangible. In this Studio, we playfully tackle this space by engaging with the nuances of soft, flexible, and organic materials, collectively designing probes to embrace plurality, embody meaning, and encourage soma-reflection. Focusing on materiality and practices from e-textiles, soft robotics, and biomaterials research, we address technology's role as a mediator of our experiences and determiner of our realities. The processes and probes developed in this Studio will serve as an experiential manifesto, providing practitioners with tools to deepen their own practices for designing soma-reflective tangible and embodied interaction. The Studio will form the first steps for ongoing collaboration, focusing on bespoke design and curation of meaningful, personal relationships.

Studio 6: Designing with the Body in Unhabitual Movements using Visual and Textual Elicitation Tools

Organized by: Arife Dila Demir, Joo Young Park, Claudia Núñez-Pacheco, Marianela Ciolfi Felice

Duration: 09:00 - 15:30

Location: Space BUW 256

Studio Website: https://sites.google.com/view/designingwiththebody/ana-sayfa?pli=1

Abstract: The goal of this studio is to explore the qualities of unhabitual body movements to inform the design of close-to-the-body touch technologies. After engaging with unhabitual kinesthetic activities, we will use visual and textual elicitation tools to communicate emerging felt sensations. We propose the use of photography as an open-ended visual medium and a repertoire of textural metaphors as a textual tool - a vocabulary list of felt qualities that will be extended through the participants’ contribution. We will then collectively explore how these expressions of felt sensations can be translated into concrete design elements via tangible design ideation and making.