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Purpose: The research aim was to gather applicant expectations and perspectives with a user‐centered approach during a pilot application process for a new dental school. The goal was to inform future admissions practices at our institution and for programs broadly. Methods: The High Point University admission team developed an electronic application external to current centralized services that was launched from May to August 2022. Participants who completed the application were requested to complete an electronic survey of closed‐ and open‐ended questions about the factors influencing their application decisions, feedback about how to optimize the experience, and their overall satisfaction using a Net Promoter Score. Results: A total of 303 applicants (79% response rate) completed the survey about their application experience. The most influential reason for applying to the program was the optional Dental Admissions Test requirement (43%). Participants frequently referenced a need for a more human‐centered process focused on the candidate rather than their numerical values and that the process should be smooth, straight‐forward, short, easy, and simple. Participants requested that experiences should be weighed the most in the application process followed by letters of recommendation. Most applicants were "promoters" (68%) for the program with a Net Promoter Score of 62. Moreover, 32% and 45% rated the application process as the best or better application experience compared to other programs. Conclusion: Programs can benefit from collecting applicant's (i.e., users) opinions and feedback about their expectations and experiences to inform more user‐centered application processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The five daily prayers are an obligation of worship for Muslims in the world. Prayers have a predetermined time schedule according to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and have different schedules according to each region. As Muslims, it is obligatory to pray five times a day. However, there are a lot of start-up company which forgot about the employee need such as praying. One of them is called byPulsa Start-up company which wants anticipates delays in praying. Because of this reason, the Ceo at byPulsa need an application to remind the employee about praying. So, this company wants to improve the additional feature into its application and develop its application more less interaction and efficient. So, this research aims to develop the previous application into an application that can remind employees to pray. In this research, Kiss Principle Method and User Centered Design were used to this application to make it more efficient and usable for user. The results show that the user feels more satisfied with the application because it has prayer schedule feature based on user's position. The CSAT score from evaluation has score 80% which higher than previous application. This application can help and guide users in exploring their religion by following online studies and using features such as prayer beads, Islamic book recommendations, even Islamic podcasts. As well as the Kiss principle method used here, it functions to make it easier for users to interact with the application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of DYNA - Ingeniería e Industria is the property of Publicaciones Dyna SL and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The interaction between human and machine plays an important role in the design and optimization of human-machine systems. This interaction is characterized by human motion using the technical system. Especially in the field of hand and power tool applications, the motion capture should be performed under the real working condition and without influencing the user. There are already motion tracking systems that allow capturing the motion during the interaction, but there is no mobile motion capture system that allows an individual analysis of the user for biomechanical analysis in the normal work process without influencing him. Therefore, requirements for a motion capture system are derived and a system is presented that meets these requirements. This system consists of two cameras and is based on the pose estimation algorithm OpenPose. The comparison of the presented system and the state-of-the-art system Xsens is performed and based on the measured elbow angle and the wrist position. The results show a very good correspondence between the curve characteristic of the elbow angle and the wrist position of both systems. However, inexplicable values shifting at two different levels still occur, which need to be investigated further. Overall, the presented system shows great potential in terms of mobility and flexibility of the presented system with some weaknesses in the data processing and efficiency. By addressing these weaknesses, the presented system can be used in the analysis and optimization of human-machine systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between human and machine plays an important role in the design and optimization of human-machine systems. This interaction is characterized by human motion using the technical system. Especially in the field of hand and power tool applications, the motion capture should be performed under the real working condition and without influencing the user. There are already motion tracking systems that allow capturing the motion during the interaction, but there is no mobile motion capture system that allows an individual analysis of the user for biomechanical analysis in the normal work process without influencing him. Therefore, requirements for a motion capture system are derived and a system is presented that meets these requirements. This system consists of two cameras and is based on the pose estimation algorithm OpenPose. The comparison of the presented system and the state-of-the-art system Xsens is performed and based on the measured elbow angle and the wrist position. The results show a very good correspondence between the curve characteristic of the elbow angle and the wrist position of both systems. However, inexplicable values shifting at two different levels still occur, which need to be investigated further. Overall, the presented system shows great potential in terms of mobility and flexibility of the presented system with some weaknesses in the data processing and efficiency. By addressing these weaknesses, the presented system can be used in the analysis and optimization of human-machine systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital human models offer great potential for the evaluation of physical human factors throughout all phases of product development. Unfortunately, digital human models lack a generic user-product interaction model to use them as universal and truly predictive CAE tools. In this contribution, we propose a concept for a generic and integrated interaction model based on the concept of affordances, the technology of CAD features and posture- and movement-prediction methods. Furthermore, we propose an affordance taxonomy, which shall enable a universal methodical description of interactions occurring during product use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

THESE LAST DECADES SOME NEW INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES BECOME POORLY ADAPTED TO ELDERLY, WITH THE INCREASE IN LIFE EXPECTANCY. IN PARTICULAR, THIS IS THE CASE OF DEVICES WITH SMALL SIZE AS SMARTPHONES FOR INSTANCE. IN THIS CONTEXT, IN ORDER TO PREDICT AND IMPROVE THE ACCESSIBILITY OF PEOPLE WITH LIMITED FOREARM MOTOR CAPACITY THIS PAPER DEALS WITH THE STUDY OF INTERACTION MODALITIES BASED ON EMG (ELECTROMYOGRAPHY) FOR HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION, FOR A MORE TOLERANT INTERACTION IN THE FACE OF VAGUENESS OF THE GESTURE. FOR THIS PURPOSE SERIES OF TESTS FOR FINGER ACTIVITY ESTIMATION WERE PERFORMED ACCORDING TO AN APPROPRIATED BIO-MEDICAL PROTOCOL WHILE MANIPULATING A SMARTPHONE IN TWO CASES: WITH AND WITHOUT ERGONOMIC STRAP USED. THE EMG SIGNALS OF THE THREE MOST INVOLVED MUSCLES OF THE THUMB ARE RECORDED AND ANALYZED. THE RESULTS SHOW THAT: I). THE FINGER'S EMG SIGNALS FOR THESE MUSCLES ARE INTERDEPENDENT, II). THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN POSITIONS OF TOUCH, FOR THREE LAYOUTS DOTS DISPOSED ON THE SMART PHONE SCREEN, AND APPLIED FORCE ARE NO LINEAR. USING LINEAR REGRESSION ANALYSIS THE QUANTITATIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FORCE AND FINGERS' DISPLACEMENTS HAVE BEEN EXTRACTED. BY COMPARING FORCE-DISPLACEMENT RELATIONSHIPS, IT IS OBSERVED THAT THE THUMB INDUCES LESS ACTIVATING FORCE THAN THE OTHER FINGERS. IT WAS ALSO FOUND THAT THE RELIEF OF THE FINGER MUSCLES INVOLVED IN THE GRIPPING OF THE SMARTPHONE ALLOWS TO REDUCE THE MUSCULAR ACTIVITY OF THE THUMB AND THUS TO DELAY THE APPEARANCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Investigates the role and application of user experience principles in the design of healthcare games and applications. • Analyzes current user experience practices. • Makes six design recommendations for incorporating UX in healthcare games and applications. • Demonstrates recommendations through the evaluation of a game and its incorporation of UX. Abstract Games and simulations are used in healthcare for purposes including training, education, and promoting wellness. However, there is often disconnect between content creators and the healthcare providers or patients who use their products. This can result in negative experiences and perceptions. This article investigates research in user experience (UX) to examine how games and applications designed for use in healthcare are impacted by considerations such as design practices and users' attitudes. By exploring the design of healthcare games and applications through the lens of user experience, the authors analyze current practices and develop specific design recommendations to improve future game-based scenarios. These six design recommendations are then applied to an example game, Medulla, to investigate their utility in framing a real-world example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution vets into Tangible User Interfaces (TUI) and objects' smart attitudes as emerging contemporary practices. We investigate and discuss the process behind the design and implementation of a product conceived following an idea of intuitive, gesture-based interaction, unpacking and critically analyzing how TUIs are perceived by users. We analyze what it means to experience artifacts whose interactions are triggered by an interface embedded in an object apparently static, but actually technologically augmented and interactive. Through a specific case study, we unfold the results from a qualitative inquiry conducted on a community of prosumers revealing how such interfaces can be misleading. Emerged design issues became challenges for designers and researchers, in a strategic, designerly-ways-of-knowing logic, which led to improving the product keeping into consideration users' expectancies and their actual interactions/behaviors with the product. In conclusion, we reflect on how designers can benefit from extrapolating users' habits and cognitive processes from data, in order to be strategically instrumental in defining future design implementations, features, products, services, and even systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information technology is transforming different areas, such as rehabilitation, in such a way that serious games are finding a use as an alternative in hearing therapies for children with cochlear implants, creating a motivating experience in children. As a result, the design of products oriented to children depends on the skills they have to interact, because if they have a better user experience they may have a better learning experience. Most existing methods of assessment are aimed at adults, although some have been adapted for children with special needs, including children with cochlear implants. This article presents a methodology for User Experience Assessment (UXA), that provides support for following the necessary guidelines and choosing techniques adapted to the characteristics of the child with cochlear implant. The methodology has been applied in a case study with 23 children with cochlear implants in the Institute for Blind and Deaf Children in Colombia, where different methods have been used and adapted to assess the user experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoted as a way to enhance learning and improve efficiencies, the steady rise of technology adoption across higher education has created both new opportunities and new challenges. Borrowing principles of design thinking and related user- or learner-centered design practices, this descriptive case study offers an example of how institutions of higher education might rethink their overreliance on learning management systems and consider an online environment for program-level learning from students' perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human factors play a key role on the improvement of energy efficiency at the workplace. Hence, they should be taken into account. Literature on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has demonstrated that 'one-size-fits-all' solutions fail addressing the user diversity in office environments. Therefore, this paper exposes how User Centered Design (UCD) and User Experience (UX) can act as pivotal tools to enhance user engagement in digital interfaces that promote sustainable behaviour at work. To accomplish this goal, a digital interface that offers a range of strategies and functions directed to different user archetypes has been designed and evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively. Analysed data revealed the importance of the UX to design positive interactions which is a predictor of future system usage and engagement. The diversity of users and the impact of UCD on the Design for Sustainable Behaviour are discussed. Besides, future iterations of the design of a digital system that adapts dynamically to user profiles are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapidly expanding market for wearable computing devices (wearables), driven by advances in information and communication technologies (ICT), wireless access, and public acceptance of a design aesthetic, is indicative of the near limitless potential for changing the relationship of users to information context(s). As the adoption of wearable devices spreads, there are cultural and social impacts that represent both barriers and opportunities, with subsequent policy ramifications. All too often designers, technologists, and policymakers operate independently developing products that are out of sync, lack interoperability, or are hindered by well meaning, but obstructive policy. This paper proposes a futures-based, iterative policy-informed design framework for developing wearable devices that guides interdisciplinary collaborators early in the process of designing a research & development plan. This approach allows for the development of “images of the future” through which various potential implications and effects of device design in social, technological, and regulatory contexts can be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with disabilities may require mounting systems that provide access to devices they want to use (e.g., a communication device) within reach while they engage in their daily routine. The Mount'n Mover is such a system and was developed with the assistance of users. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the benefit of involving users throughout the design and use of an assistive technology (AT) device when evaluating AT outcomes. User involvement in the design process is described and then a retrospective study investigating outcomes is presented, and suggestions for a more rigorous research methodology are provided. This holistic approach to outcomes study suggests that involving users in the entire process can help to ensure that product features relevant to users' functional needs are designed into AT solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern production of high pressure die casting parts raise new challenges regarding planning, scheduling and analyzing of the underlying manufacturing process. The smart factory approach and the research and development pursuit of the fourth industrial revolution necessitate the refurbishment and upgrade of already existing manufacturing systems and the introduction of new information and communication technologies (ICT) in automation systems in order to achieve a holistic, company-wide information exchange and a pervasive traceability of product and manufacturing data. According to this approach, previous programmable logical controls (PLC), established business intelligence solutions and existing manufacturing execution systems (MES) with mutually lacking interfaces are integrated into a new ecosystem for planning, executing and analysis applications. Due to the fact that each system persists on its own user interface, the implementation has to be strongly coupled to a user centered design of innovative human machine interfaces, joined into one distributed, networked application. In this paper, an agile information processing framework for foundry purposes is presented. Every underlying application is accessible via web-based user interfaces providing control of each single system. This leads into a service orientated architecture triggering the individual underlying systems as services, which are connected using web communication technology to exchange data along a shared information model. The data storage is modular to ensure scalability and interoperability with other manufacturing departments. During the actual manufacturing process, different services like inline data mining analysis are deployed and the results are visualized in user demanded dashboards and reports. For new requirements in business intelligence and MES the developed interfaces are provided in a unique library and a content management system. The described architecture enhances the development of new information applications, accelerates the planning and execution process and is completely orientated to the demands of users, as fast planning procedures and analysis driven user interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers report that people older than 60 years old could benefit from easier access to information by using technologies. However, they have been marginalized from the digital inclusion process. The main reason is that the development of devices and interfaces does not consider particularities that allow its use by this range of senior users. Mobile devices with touch screens have the potential to solve these problems. It is because interactions based on touch are more intuitive, regardless of age. However, the use rate of tactile devices for the elderly is considered low compared to other age groups, because they tend to use their mobile phones for relatively limited purposes. The aim of this study is, through interviews and specific tasks encourage the use of technology by those who have not demonstrated the receptive to the devices, and verify the existence of motivations to use a schedule on a tactile device. The results provide insights for developing a schedule application, and evidence that even the senescent people, who often have hesitation about mobile devices, after the conclusion of a task supported by specialists became receptive to such technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Megaron is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Advances in ubiquitous sensing and computing technologies, combined with the well developed theories in cognitive science, present major opportunities for the future Internet. We argue that the future Internet should be a usercentric and context-aware communication network, which goes far beyond today''s host-centric and store-forward Internet. In this article we propose to explicitly introduce the end-user''s context information into the future Internet framework. We, therefore, define a new functional module called the User-Context Module, and describe its architecture and key design principles. We also present two User-Context Module applications to aid gaining an understanding of its operation and impacts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the findability in information access optimization, and how usability can improve findability. It offers tips on how to search or find information resources easily, and describes the easy way to use the system. General principles to implement the system for an excellent findability are presented, indicating the relationship between usability and findability. It is suggested that determining the form of information should be considered by the users before improving the findability of information access.

Abstract: Solid organ transplant has been steadily increasing in number both nationally and internationally. Caring for the transplant patients in the hospital setting, right after the patient is moved from the intensive care unit to the ward, is one of the most challenging tasks in nursing. It involves many procedures, rigid protocols, tight monitoring, and intensive data gathering for use by the other coordinating healthcare professionals. The complexity is further increased when a nurse has to take care of several transplant patients in a single shift. Of late, there has been a growth of computer applications in nursing and clinical information systems. Their acceptability and usability determine the ultimate success of computer support for this complex task. In this paper, we present a case study in which we combine two well-known software engineering techniques—namely, agile programming and user centered design—toward the goal of developing an interactive system for supporting the activities of transplant nurses in a hospital setting. This has resulted in a usable end-product and the user centered approach has motivated the nurses to move towards the use of computers in their jobs for better productivity. The product’s usability was formally evaluated and is reported herein. The strengths and limitations of this approach are also discussed. The software product developed has been well accepted and is currently being planned to replace the manual methods followed in the transplant ward of a large metropolitan hospital. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare disease that affects 1one Boy of about 3500. The first symptoms appear in about 2-5 years and lead to a total paralysis. The current average life expectancy is 25-30 years. The Italian legislation on the accessibility of the spaces is outdated and not relevant to a consumer complex as that dystrophic. The research aims to produce an information and knowledge tool useful both for families and for professionals to inform them on the technological opportunities in the market and tries to suggest the types more accessible based on the current and future needs of boys with DMD. The entire project, which follows the multidisciplinary approach of Design for All, was developed following the methodology of the Quality Function Deployment (QFD), a technique that puts users at the center of the creative project and ideational. The research has also led to a monographic publication published by Franco Angeli Editore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare disease that affects 1one Boy of about 3500. The first symptoms appear in about 2-5 years and lead to a total paralysis. The current average life expectancy is 25-30 years. The Italian legislation on the accessibility of the spaces is outdated and not relevant to a consumer complex as that dystrophic. The research aims to produce an information and knowledge tool useful both for families and for professionals to inform them on the technological opportunities in the market and tries to suggest the types more accessible based on the current and future needs of boys with DMD. The entire project, which follows the multidisciplinary approach of Design for All, was developed following the methodology of the Quality Function Deployment (QFD), a technique that puts users at the center of the creative project and ideational. The research has also led to a monographic publication published by Franco Angeli Editore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Computerized, Internet-delivered interventions can be efficacious; however, uptake and maintaining sustained client engagement are still big challenges. We see the development of effective engagement strategies as the next frontier in online health interventions, an area where much creative research has begun. We also argue that for engagement strategies to accomplish their purpose with novel targeted populations, they need to be tailored to such populations (ie, content is designed with the target population in mind). User-centered design frameworks provide a theoretical foundation for increasing user engagement and uptake by including users in development. However, deciding how to implement this approach to enage users in mental health intervention development is challenging. Objective: The aim of this study was to get user input and feedback on acceptability of messaging content intended to engage suicidal individuals. Methods: In March 2013, clinic intake staff distributed flyers announcing the study, "Your Feedback Counts" to potential participants (individuals waiting to be seen for a mental health appointment) together with the Patient Health Questionnaire. The flyer explained that a score of two or three ("more than half the days" or "nearly every day" respectively) on the suicide ideation question made them eligible to provide feedback on components of a suicide prevention intervention under development. The patient could access an anonymous online survey by following a link. After providing consent online, participants completed the anonymous survey. Results: Thirty-four individuals provided data on past demographic information. Participants reported that they would be most drawn to an intervention where they knew that they were cared about, that was personalized, that others like them had found it helpful, and that included examples with real people. Participants preferred email invitations with subject lines expressing concern and availability of extra resources. Participants also provided feedback about a media prototype including a brand design and advertisement video for introducing the intervention. Conclusions: This paper provides one model (including development of an engagement survey, audience for an engagement survey, methods for presenting results of an engagement survey) for including target users in the development of uptake strategies for online mental health interventions. (J Med Internet Res 2014;16(2):e42) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Physical inactivity is an important contributor to the development of numerous chronic conditions and alone is an independent risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression and yet, most Americans consistently fail to achieve the recommended amount of physical activity. As part of Project HealthDesign, we designed and prototyped a personal health record application (PHA) that delivers and supports a highly individualized, behaviorally based lifestyle physical activity intervention for sedentary adults. Through a user centered design approach, we engaged consumers, health care providers, and personal trainers for multiple facilitated group discussions and structured interviews to determine their needs and wants related to an activity PHA. The PHA was developed to include elements of evidence-based approaches which help participants adopt cognitive and behavioral skills such as goal-setting, self-monitoring, accepting social support, cognitive restructuring, contingency management, decisional balance, and relapse prevention. This PHA demonstrated the potential for research-based behavioral interventions to be delivered via a web portal. This finding is important for both consumers and their providers who have the desire to implement physical activity recommendations, but lack the tools to facilitate or undertake such interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emotional awareness and self-regulation are important skills for improving mental health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cognitive behavioral therapy can teach these skills but is not widely available. Objective: This exploratory study examined the potential of mobile phone technologies to broaden access to cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and to provide in-the-moment support. Methods: We developed a mobile phone application with touch screen scales for mood reporting and therapeutic exercises for cognitive reappraisal (ie, examination of maladaptive interpretations) and physical relaxation. The application was deployed in a one-month field study with eight individuals who had reported significant stress during an employee health assessment. Participants were prompted via their mobile phones to report their moods several times a day on a Mood Map-a translation of the circumplex model of emotion-and a series of single-dimension mood scales. Using the prototype, participants could also activate mobile therapies as needed. During weekly open-ended interviews, participants discussed their use of the device and responded to longitudinal views of their data. Analyses included a thematic review of interview narratives, assessment of mood changes over the course of the study and the diurnal cycle, and interrogation of this mobile data based on stressful incidents reported in interviews. Results: Five case studies illustrate participants' use of the mobile phone application to increase self-awareness and to cope with stress. One example is a participant who had been coping with longstanding marital conflict. After reflecting on his mood data, particularly a drop in energy each evening, the participant began practicing relaxation therapies on the phone before entering his house, applying cognitive reappraisal techniques to cope with stressful family interactions, and talking more openly with his wife. His mean anger, anxiety and sadness ratings all were lower in the second half of the field study than in the first (P = .01 for all three scales). Similar changes were observed among other participants as they used the application to negotiate bureaucratic frustrations, work tensions and personal relationships. Participants appeared to understand the mood scales developed for this experience sampling application and responded to them in a way that was generally consistent with self-reflection in weekly interviews. Interview accounts of mood changes, associated with diurnal cycles, personal improvement over the course of the study, and stressful episodes, could be seen in the experience sampling data. Discrepancies between interview and experience-sampling data highlighted the ways that individuals responded to the two forms of inquiry and how they calibrated mood ratings over the course of the study. Conclusions: Participants quickly grasped the Mood Mapping and therapeutic concepts, and applied them creatively in order to help themselves and empathize with others. Applications developed for mobile phones hold promise for delivering state-of-the-art psychotherapies in a nonstigmatizing fashion to many people who otherwise would not have access to therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]