About This Project

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Traditionally, gestures have been defined by designers –but it
is hard to ensure that they are then intuitive to users. Guessability studies are an alternative approach: potential users, exposed to an effect (something that the system can do), are asked to recommend a control gesture. However, they are free to suggest unlimited (and unrelated) gestures. Yet, I believe guessability studies can still be fruitful if the theory of embodied schemata is applied. These cognitive primitives are interconnected through networks of brain circuits, creating a scaffolding of more complex structures. E.g., when thinking of the word “restaurant” one conjures up a number of connected expectations: sitting at a table, interacting with a waiter, eating, etc. This is what is commonly referred to as a frame.

What is the significance of this project?

If we are able to prime potential users with a frame that activates common networks of brain circuits, different participants will recommend similar (and related) gestures and body movements during a guessability study.
This will be particularly relevant in settings such as museums,
where users are not expected to already know how to use the interface and where they do not have the ability, the time, or the willingness to consult a manual that explains which gestures are recognized by the system.
Moreover, it may also be applied to the design of controlling actions for personal entertainment devices (e.g., a Kinect or a smart TV).
In conclusion, this methodology has the potential to transform the way the masses interact with full-body systems.

What are the goals of the project?

PROCEDURE
(1) A group of 20 participants will take part in a traditional guessability study.
(2) Four separate groups of 20 people each will be primed with four different frames. The priming will incorporate common procedures from the psychology literature, and will include: (a) showing some pictures of the scenario; and (b) giving participants a short task to do, e.g. asking them to write down five things that they would do in that context.
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EXPECTED OUTCOME. (1) The traditional guessability study will elicit less agreement among participants' responses than any of the four framed guessability studies. (2) Different frames will produce different sets of winning control actions.