Human-Computer Interaction

 

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is an interdisciplinary field of research that focuses on the design and improvement of interactive systems. The research involves developing user-friendly interfaces, analyzing user behavior, and applying cognitive models to enhance interaction. Additionally, HCI research examines other psychological aspects of technology use to maximize the acceptance and effectiveness of new technologies. The goal is to develop technologies that are intuitive, efficient, and safe, thereby improving the user experience.

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Julian Bornemeier (Research Group Leader)

Topic: Fairness and Bias in Generative AI and Digital Media

AI systems, including algorithms and generative AI, often reflect the biases and stereotypes present in the data they are trained on. This can lead to the reproduction and even amplification of gender and occupational stereotypes, among others.

We can use theories and methods to examine the effects of stereotypes reinforced by AI. The role of individual dispositions, such as the acceptance of social hierarchies, captured by the concept of Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), can be explored. Research in this area can help develop a deeper understanding of the dynamics that lead to the reproduction of stereotypes by AI and suggest ways to address and overcome these challenges.

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Susen Döbelt

Topic: Digital Sovereignty and Privacy Preservation in Human-Computer Interaction

Our lives are increasingly intertwined with information-processing technical systems that provide useful and essential services. Smartphones and apps are daily companions in our pockets, but even the energy supply in our homes is increasingly influenced by intelligent measurement and control systems. Many of our daily activities are recorded, stored, and analyzed digitally. Often, it is not transparent who receives this data, how it is processed, or to whom it is transferred.

To strengthen digital sovereignty and informational self-determination, user-friendly information that creates transparency and offers options for action in human-computer interaction is needed.

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Joy Geuenich

Topic: Human-AI Collaboration

Cognitive psychological research contributes to the study of human-machine collaboration and serves the development of cognitively inspired artificial intelligence. The goal of this research is to gain insights into human information processing through behavior-based experiments. These findings serve as the basis for designing technologies and optimizing human-AI collaboration.

This research focuses on various interesting areas such as creative problem-solving processes, AI transparency, HMI design, and user experience (UX).

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Dr. Madlen Günther

Topic: Electromobility, sustainability, and participatory processes in urban development changes

Innovative forms of human-technology interaction open up new opportunities to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly behaviour. Persuasive strategies used in digital assistance systems, interactive user interfaces and intelligent feedback mechanisms can help users to be more conscious of their (mobility) behaviour and conserve resources.

One aspect of this research highlights how sustainable behaviour can be promoted and which forms of presentation are suitable for different target groups. The participatory involvement of social groups in the design and application of new technologies has also proven to be beneficial. Through the specific promotion of social commitment and co-determination, not only can technological solutions be better adapted to real needs, but alternative strategies for sustainable behavioural change can also be developed.

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Veronica Hoth

Topic: Ethical Experience Design for Privacy, Data Protection, and Diversity

This research area explores how ethical aspects can be integrated into the human-centered design process (ISO 9241-210:2019) to incorporate them into the design of digital products and services.

Methods are developed to gain a better understanding of the values of users in the context of an application area and to consider these values during the development process. Value Sensitive Design serves as a reference point to enhance privacy and diversity through UX design in HCI.

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Dr. Maria Kreußlein

Topic: Usability and Apps

Maria is involved in the RESONANZ and KOMPASS projects, which focus on the use of AI in the treatment of anxiety disorders and depression. In addition, as part of the EBeRE project, she is investigating how user interfaces made available to participating citizens can be developed in a participatory, user-centred and human-centred manner.

Dr Maria Kreußlein’s research interests lie primarily in transport and mobility psychology, particularly in the study of driver distraction, road safety behaviour and the interaction between humans and technology. In addition, she focuses on sustainable mobility and the acceptance of new mobility concepts, such as e-cargo bike-sharing schemes, as well as vulnerable road users such as cyclists. In doing so, she combines fundamental psychological research with application-oriented questions regarding the design of safe and user-friendly mobility systems.

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Dr. Vivien Lungwitz (Substitute Research Group Leader)

Topic: Human-friendly, optimal resource and energy management for complex, network-integrated, biogenic production facilities

Vivien Lungwitz works on the MORE-KIBA project at the interface between automated biogenic production facilities and human users.

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Lana Mohr

Topic: Usability and Apps

Lana Mohr is active in the RESONANZ and KOMPASS project, which deals with AI in combination with the treatment process of anxiety disorders and depression.