Scientific

Customized Wake-Word Integration in ANC-Enabled Headphones: Enhancing Assistive Technology for Noise-Sensitive Employees in Office

Authors Jan Schmalfuß-Schwarz, David Gollasch, Meinhardt Branig, Christin Engel & Gerhard Weber Conference Mensch und Computer 2024 Publication Format Short Paper Review-Process Peer Review Citation Jan Schmalfuß-Schwarz, David Gollasch, Christin Engel, Meinhardt Branig, and Gerhard Weber. 2024. Customized Wake-Word Integration in ANC-Enabled Headphones:… Read More »Customized Wake-Word Integration in ANC-Enabled Headphones: Enhancing Assistive Technology for Noise-Sensitive Employees in Office

The figure shows the schematic structure of the system. It consists of three components, each represented by rectangles and connected by arrows. The rectangles on the left and right each show a stylistic person sitting at a computer with headphones and a nearby person with a speech bubble, as well as the words 'Wake word recognized'. The left-hand rectangle also shows 'wake word recognized' and 'do not inform', while the right-hand rectangle shows 'wake word recognized' and 'inform'. In the middle of the two rectangles is another one labeled 'Context analyzer' that connects both rectangles with arrows. The context analyzer also contains 'context-sensitive decision' and a list with 'speaker recognition', 'environment analyzer', 'predefined factors' and three dots. From the context analyzer, an arrow goes to the left-hand rectangle with the caption 'Addressing person unknown' and 'Context unaccepted'. Another arrow goes to the right rectangle labeled 'speaking person known' and 'context accepted'.

Open Sesame! Use of Headphones at Work Considering Social Acceptance

In this article, assistive technologies are examined with regard to different contexts and target groups to determine the extent to which they promote concentration and at the same time enable social interaction in a context-sensitive manner. The investigations focus on the needs of autistic people in vocational training centers, for whom a low-noise environment at the workplace is often a prerequisite for concentrated work. The work shows the results of observations in a vocational training center, analyzes contextual factors and presents a concept for an adaptive support system specifically designed to meet the needs of autistic people in office environments.

Unlocking Opportunities: Empowering Autistic Adults in Vocational Training and Employment Through Assistive Technologies

Authors David Gollasch, Christin Engel, Meinhardt Branig, Jan Schmalfuß-Schwarz & Gerhard Weber Conference HCI International 2024 Format Full Paper Review-Process Peer Review Reference Gollasch, D., Engel, C., Branig, M., Schmalfuß-Schwarz, J., Weber, G. (2024). Unlocking Opportunities: Empowering Autistic Adults in Vocational Training and Employment Through Assistive… Read More »Unlocking Opportunities: Empowering Autistic Adults in Vocational Training and Employment Through Assistive Technologies

Designing Technology for Neurodivergent Self-determination: Challenges and Opportunities

Technology for neurodivergent people has been developed in the past to align them with expectations by neurotypical people. Participants in the widest sense are encouraged to discuss the major challenges and opportunities in designing technology for neurodivergent persons in the context of education, work and for leisure. A key focus is to address knowledge acquisition, skill development, and joy from the perspective of a neurodivergent classmate, colleague, or teammates. At higher education institutions, accommodations are not common everywhere and mostly unknown to lecturers. In the workplace, management tools should respond to the requirements of an employee with autism or ADHD. Technology for leisure time is not designed for neurodivergent pleasure. Uptake of the findings are discussed with participants.

3D visualisierte Abbildung einer industriemaschine, deren Bedienelemente mit Erklärungen überlagert sind. 3D visualised image of an industrial machine whose operating elements are overlaid with explanations.

Transferring Real Operating Concepts Into Virtual Reality for Neurodiverse Learners

The application of modern technologies to improve educational environments is required due to a lack of workers, a decline in engineering student enrollment, and insufficient support for students who are neurodivergent. To support high education and career training for neurodiverse learners, this paper investigates the incorporation of real device operating concepts into virtual reality. Various VR implementations of common operating components were compared for immersion and usability. Functional virtual devices with operating components were integrated into a VR education platform and evaluated with both neurotypical and people with ASD. The study results demonstrate high usability for neurotypical users while emphasizing the need for improved graphical quality, user comfort, and the integration of features and techniques that enhance user movements and provide adaptable interfaces for neurodivergent users.

Workshop on Designing Accessible Extended Reality: An Opportunity for People with Disabilities and Disorders

Extended Reality (XR) technologies offer a wide range of innovative use cases and interaction concepts. On the one hand, they provide several possibilities to reduce barriers for people with specific physical or mental needs, e.g., through simulations, gamification, or training scenarios. Individuals with anxiety disorders, dementia, or autism spectrum disorder, for example, may also benefit. On the other hand, it is challenging to design accessible XR technologies for heterogeneous user groups. Therefore, the area of accessible XR as well as adaptation based on users’ needs and contexts, is of high interest and has barely been researched yet. Participants of the workshop are encouraged to discuss both – the major challenges and opportunities in designing XR-based assistive technology for different target groups and scenarios, as well as the accessibility of XR technologies.